The uptake in vitro of monosaccharides, disaccharide and nucleic acid precursors by adult Dirofilaria immitis

Abstract

The uptake of glucose, sucrose, thymidine and adenosine by adult male and female worms of Dirofilaria immitis was investigated using scintillation counting techniques. No evidence of L-glucose, sucrose and thymidine uptake was obtained. In contrast, large amounts of D-glucose and adenosine were taken up by both male and female worms.

No demonstrable dye was found in the gut lumen of worms incubated in medium containing 1% (w/v) trypan blue for six hours.

By exposing different portions of D. immitis adults to radioactively-labelled medium containing D-glucose or adenosine, a transcuticular uptake of these nutrients by the worms was demonstrated.