Abstract

Antigenic localization in Paragonimus iloktsuenensis worm tissues (tegument, intestine and vitelline gland) in different developmental stages of 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks and 33 weeks from albino rats (Sprague-Dawley) infected with P. iloktsuenensis was observed by electron microscopy. These worm tissues of different developmental stage of P. iloktsuenensis was observed on electromicrograph by immunogold labeling method using P. iloktsuenensis infected rat serum of 10 weeks. Antigenic localization was demonstrated as labeling of gold particles in tissues on electronmicrograph. In tegument, gold particles were labeled on tegumental tissue, generally more numerous on secretory granules in tegumental syncytium 2 weeks than those on the other elder developmental stages, but there was a little variation in antigenicity according to individual worm tissue. In general, antigenicity in tegumental tissue was not strong (gold particles: 0.1- 5/1 microns 2). In intestine, a large number of gold particles (15-18/1 microns 2) were labeled in intestinal epithelium. Gold particles were concentrated especially on secretory granules in cytoplasm, and gold particles were labeled not only in cytoplasmic protrusions, but also in intestinal luminal contents. Intensity of labeling of gold particles was not correlated with developmental stage of worms. In vitelline gland, a large number of gold particles were labeled on vitelline globules. The gold particles in vitelline globules (8-11/1 microns 2) were concentrated in protoplasm among segmental globules.