Studies on transaminase reactions in some parasitic helminths.

By an application of Sigma-Frankel methods, two transaminase systems, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, were found to operate at a mesurable rate in 2 species of nematodes(Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaridia galli), 5 species of trematodes (Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola hepatica, Eurytrema pancreaticum, Paramphistomum cervi and Paragonimus westermani) and 5 kinds of cestodes (Diphyllobothrium mansoni, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis, Cysticercus cellulosae and Cysticercus pisiformis). A comparison was made of the transamination reactions in nematodes and those of trematodes and cestodes. And the significance of transaminase in these parasites is discussed in relation to protein synthesis and its utilization.

[Metabolism of C(14)-acetate by cestodes].

The adult worm and plerocercoid larva(sparganum) of Diphyllobothrium mansoni and Moniezia expansa employed in this experiment. The adult worms were divided into three portions, i.e.

[Metabolism of C(14)-acetate by some trematodes].

The adult trematodes, Fasciola hepatica, Eurytrema pancreaticum and Paramphistomum cervi, employed in this experiment were obtained from the cattle slaughtered at the local abbatoir. The worms selected and washed several times in normal sterilized saline solution. Each about ten of intact F.