Histochemical studies on the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda: Taeniidae) from Indian buffalo origin

The distribution of various biochemical components in laminated and germinal layer of both sterile and fertile cysts wall were almost the same but, the sterile cyst wall showed strong reaction for glycogen and weak reaction for mucosubstances and general proteins. Many brood capsules and few buds were found to be associated with the germinal layer of fertile cysts. The formation of protoscolices within a brood capsule was asynchronous. Amylase digestion revealed the presence of conjugated carbohydrate in the laminated layer and glycogen in the germinal membrane, brood capsule wall and protoscolices. Periodic unreactive and reactive alcinophilic mucosubstances were found in outer and inner parts of the laminated layer, respectively. Strong reaction of acid mucopolysaccharide was observed in the germinal layer, brood capsule and tegument of the protoscolices.