Amino acids ofDiclidophora merlangi(Monogenea)

Abstract

The level of free amino acids in Diclidophora merlangi is high, comprising over 500 μmoles/g ethanol extracted dry weight. A single amino acid, proline, constitutes some 70% of the total pool. Analysis of parasite protein and host blood and mucus revealed low proline levels, suggesting that the high free pool content was not related to a requirement for protein synthesis or to its abundance in the diet of the worm. Experiments revealed that proline was not involved specifically in osmoregulation, and the reasons for the large amounts present in Diclidophora remain unknown.

Effects of hypotonicity on amino acid release in adult Echinostoma caproni as determined by thin layer chromatography

“…Some studies, e.g., Kurelec and Rijavec (1966), suggested that high levels of amino acids in trematodes serve an osmoregulatory function. While studies have been done to analyze various effects of hypotonic media on some digeneans (Siddiqi et al 1974) and some monogeneans (Arme and Whyte 1975;Arme 1977), such information on echinostomatids is not available. While studies have been done to analyze various effects of hypotonic media on some digeneans (Siddiqi et al 1974) and some monogeneans (Arme and Whyte 1975;Arme 1977), such information on echinostomatids is not available.…”