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The protozoa occurring in the hind-gut of cockroaches

II. Morphology of Nyctotherus ovalis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

H. M. D. Hoyte
H. M. D. Hoyte
Affiliation:
Molteno Institute, University of Cambridge*
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Extract

The size and shape of the trophozoite of Nyctotherus ovalis in different species of cockroaches was found to vary considerably, and this was attributed chiefly to the presence or absence of large paraglycogen granules within the ciliate.

The size and shape of the cysts of N. ovalis which were passed in the faeces of the host on successive days were found to fluctuate around means which were more or less constant over a long period. The constants varied according to the species of the host: the largest and fattest cysts were found in the faeces from Blatta, the smallest and most slender from Blattella. Those from Blaberus were of the Blattella-type, but Periplaneta harboured populations which gave rise either to the Blatta-type of cysts or to the Blattella-type.

The constant size and shape of the cysts was not altered when the host moulted, but there was always a decrease in size and sometimes a change of shape when an infection was established in a new host. The cause of these changes is unknown. An increase in size was induced by an increase in environmental temperature, but the size declined during a subsequent period at lower temperatures. The work of other authors on changes in the sizes of protozoan cysts is discussed.

The cyst wall of N. ovalis consists of four separate layers plus an outer membrane. They all seemed to be proteinaceous in nature. Treatment with various inorganic reagents and proteolytic enzymes revealed that the knob is the most easily destroyed part of the wall. A histochemical test for keratin showed that this is the chief constituent of the wall. The keratin appeared to be least organized in the knob, and hence the knob is the least impermeable part of the wall.

This work was done during the tenure of a Research Studentship awarded by the Agricultural Research Council. I am deeply indebted to Dr P. Tate for his encouragement and counsel at all stages of the work.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 51 , Issue 3-4 , November 1961 , pp. 437 - 463
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1961

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