Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Developmental switching in the parasitic nematode strongyloides ratti

1996; Royal Society; Volume: 263; Issue: 1367 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1098/rspb.1996.0032

1471-2954

Mark Viney,

Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Strongyloides ratti is a nematode parasite of rats. It is able to undergo two types of development outside the host: heterogonic (free-living adults and sexual reproduction) and homogonic (direct larval development). Homogonic development has a number of similarities with the development of the dauer stage of free-living nematodes, including Caenorhabditis elegans. Using isofemale lines of the parasite, factors that control this developmental choice have been investigated. Isofemale lines can be selected for both heterogonic and homogonic development, but are still able to respond to environmental conditions. By using temperature shift experiments it has been possible to determine when larvae become developmentally committed. All larvae are developmentally committed after 24 h at 19 degrees C.