Abstract

A transmission electron microscopic study was performed on the ultrastructure of the tegumental layer of Gymnophalloides seoi (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) metacercariae and adults. The metacercariae were obtained from naturally infected oysters, Crassostrea gigas, and the adults from experimentally infected C3H mice. The tegumental layer generally revealed a small number of foldings, numerous small vacuoles, sines, and muscle bundles. Beneath the muscle layer, nuclei of the tegumental cells were located. There was little difference in the structure of the tegument between the metacercariae and adults. The oral sucker, having well-developed muscle layers, showed a similar structure to the ventral sucker except numerous foldings in the ventral sucker. The ventral pit was surrounded by a thin syncytial layer, where a number of microtubules and mitochondria were seen. Around the ventral pit located well-developed circular and longitudinal muscles. The results showed that the ultrastructure of the tegumental layer of G. seoi metacercariae and adults revealed little difference from other trematodes in general. The ventral pit, a peculiar structure of this trematode, seems to function as a sphincter or an accessory adhesive organ.