Tegument ultrastructure in mother sporocysts of Bunocotyle progenetica (Markowski, 1936) Chabaud & Buttner, 1959 (Digenea: Hemiuridae)

This investigation is devoted to the fine structure of mother sporocysts, the least studied stage of the digenean life cycle. The ultrastructure of the tegument of mature mother sporocysts of Bunocotyle progenetica was examined by transmission electron microscopy and described in detail. The tegument of these parthenitae is represented by an outer anucleate syncytium connected with the deeper-lying tegumental cells by cytoplasmic bridges. Its outer plasma membrane forms minute leaf-like outgrowths and numerous deep invaginations in the shape of interconnected channels. These channels, which pass in various directions and permeate almost the entire outer syncytium, considerably amplify its surface area. The cytoplasm of the outer layer of the tegument contains large mitochondria, microtubules and rare dense secretory granules, whose contents are discharged into the lumen of the channels. Numerous pinocytotic vesicles originate from the plasma membrane of the channels. Small endocytic vesicles are transported along the cytoplasmic bridges to the tegumental cells, where endocytosed food material is sorted and broken down. These cells are characterized by a well-developed Golgi apparatus, which is represented by multiple stacks of cisternae, and the presence of numerous endosomes at different stages of maturity and residual bodies. Some steps of endosomal maturation in the tegumental cells were traced. In addition to their digestive activity, tegumental cells produce secretory granules, which are transported to the outer syncytium after their maturation. It was shown for the first time that in mature parthenitae, the population of tegumental cells could be renewed at the expense of a reserve pool of undifferentiated cells. The ultrastructural features of the tegument of mother sporocysts of B. progenetica are discussed in the light of the concept of the enhanced trophic function of the tegument in sporocysts lacking the alimentary canal.