Ra. Fellowes et al., Neuromusculature of the ovijector of Ascaris suum (Ascaroidea, Nematoda): An ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study, J COMP NEUR, 415(4), 1999, pp. 518-528
This study used electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy
interfaced with cytochemistry to study neuromuscular interrelationships in
the ovijector of Ascaris suum. An extensive nerve plexus with both FaRPergi
c and non-FaRPergic components extends over the outer surface of the ovijec
tor. The non-FaRPergic component is derived from nerve branches of the vent
ral nerve cord, whereas the FaRPergic component emanates from two large FMR
Famide-immunoreactive neurons. In the vagina vera, most myofibrils are circ
ular in orientation and a number of them divide and run far short distances
in longitudinal and diagonal directions, their myofilaments are also orien
tated in a variety of directions. Parallel nerve fibres run in tracts along
the length of the vagina vera with branches that penetrate the muscle laye
rs. The vagina uteri possesses a thicker hypodermis than that of the vagina
vera. It appears rich in secretory and phagocytic vesicles and the luminal
side is invested with an electron-dense substance. The musculature of the
vagina uteri is less well developed than that of the vagina vera, being res
tricted to circular myofibrils, with an apparent diagonal arrangement of my
ofilaments. Also, the innervation is less extensive in the vagina uteri wit
h many fibres returning to the vagina vera to rejoin the nerve net and othe
rs continuing into the uteri. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.