Figure 4
Scanning electron micrographs showing the surface morphology of S. mansoni treated with solvent alone, isomyristicin, bergapten and praziquantel.
The SEM photos represent different groups treated with the lowest dose concentration of 4 μg/mL (all inset photos are 1 μm). (A–C) Worms cultured in solvent alone (1% DMSO/culture media) displayed a relaxed (uncoiled) and healthy physical appearance. (D–F) Isomyristicin treated parasites displayed a partially damaged physical appearance including erosion of tubercles (E), loss of spines and cracks (marked with red arrow) in the dorsal surface of the tegument (E, inset photo) and damage to the sensory papillae in the female tegument (F, inset photo). (G–I) Bergapten-treated parasites displayed a coiled appearance with similar damage to the worm teguments including erosion of tubercles (H) and loss of spines and cracks (marked with red arrow) on the dorsal surface of the tegument (H, inset photo) and damage to the sensory papillae in the female tegument (I, inset photo). Similar patterns but with extensive morphological changes were seen in the praziquantel-treated parasites (J–L).
