Metacestodes of Hymenolepis diminuta affect
several aspects of female reproductive physiology in
Tenebrio molitor and
such effects are mediated via the endocrine system. The effects
on male reproduction are less well known and were studied
with respect to the Bean-Shaped Accessory Glands (BAGs). The
size and wet and dry weight of BAGs from infected and
uninfected beetles were compared and rose to a plateau from
0–6 days post-emergence in uninfected beetles but in infected
individuals continued to increase in both size and weight.
These effects were density independent. Glands from both
infected and uninfected beetles were assayed for trehalase
activity measured by its ability to convert the sugar trehalose
to glucose. The activity of this enzyme, per mg wet weight, was
not affected by the parasite. However, total activity per
gland increased in infected males. Total protein content and
electrophoretic profiles of BAGs from infected and uninfected
individuals showed no change in profile but showed an increase
in all protein subunits per gland over a broad molecular
weight range.