BIOCHEMISTRY OF NORMAL AND IRRADIATED STRAINS OF HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA
An irradiated strain of H. diminuta was developed in which morphological anomalies persisted for at least 7 generations. This and the normal strain from which it was derived were corapared for biochemical differences, which might lead to the discovery of a biocheraical lesion. No significant differences were found in fresh weights between normal and irradiated strains of H. diminuta. Samples of H. diminuta were then prepared, and their composition determined. There was a notable loss of carbohydrates by tapeworms during 24 hr of in vivo fasting, amounting to 56% and 62% in the normal and irradiated strains, respectively. On the other hand, lipids increased by 10% and protein by 4% in both strains, which suggests that the substances were not concerned with energy metabolism during starvation. The giycogen of both normal and irradiated strains of H. diminuta obtained from fed or fasted rats, determined directly or after maintenance of the parasites in glucose-saline, accounted for 99% of the alkali-stable carbohydrates. which in turn, comprised about 96% of the total carbohydrates. In general, no notable differences in the growth, chemical composition, or gross metabolism between normal and irradiated strains of H. diminuta were recognized. Thus, the morphological changes due to irradiation previously described are the reflection of biochemical events. (H.H.D.)
- Research Organization:
- Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-017831
- OSTI ID:
- 4746360
- Journal Information:
- Exptl. Parasitol., Vol. Vol: 11; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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