HISTOCHEMICAL-LOCALIZATION OF KEY GLYCOLYTIC AND RELATED ENZYMES IN ADULT ONCHOCERCA-FASCIATA

The activities of some key enzymes of the glycolytic and pentose phosp hate pathways were investigated histochemically in adult female Onchoc erca fasciata (Nematoda: Filarioidea). The distribution patterns of ph osphofructokinase (PFK), aldolase (ALD), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate de hydrogenase (G3PDH) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in d ifferent tissues of the worm were determined by employing NitroBlue Te trazolium (NET). The glycolytic enzymes PFK, ALD, and G3PDH were distr ibuted throughout the hypodermal tissue, somatic muscles and reproduct ive organs. These enzyme activities were predominantly expressed in th e hypodermal and reproductive tissues, both of which appeared to be me tabolically more active than adjacent tissues. The high activities of the enzymes studied in the hypodermal tissue when compared with the mi nimal or low activity in the intestinal epithelium support the assumpt ion that the worm's intestine, in contrast to the body wall, plays no significant role in the nutrient acquisition process. The results emph asize that both the glycolytic and hexose monophosphate pathways of ca rbohydrate metabolism are active components in energy production and b iosynthetic processes in the various tissues of the worm. The function al significance of these glucose-metabolizing enzymes has been discuss ed with regard to their location in the tissues concerned.