Classification of the parenchymal cells in Fasciola gigantica based on ultrastructure and their expression of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs)

Parenchymal cells in adult Fasciola gigantica can be classified into three types based on their ultrastructural features and different quantities of fatty acid binding protein (FABP) being stored. Parenchymal cell type 1 (Pc₁) has pale cytoplasm consisting largely of a loose network of fine fibers, and it contains few mitochondria but numerous glycogen particles. This cell type may be specialized in the storage and metabolism of glycogen and glucose. Parenchymal cell type 2 (Pc₂) has similar cytoplasmic features as Pc₁ but contains more numerous mitochondria, and high concentration of FABP as reflected by high density of immunostaining and immunogold labeling using specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to FABP as probe. Pc₂ may, thus, specialize in the storage and metabolism of fatty acids and other lipids. Parenchymal cell type 3 (Pc₃) has dense cytoplasm containing large amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and mitochondria, which is typical of a secretory cell. Furthermore, Pc₃ has very little glycogen particles and is not stained by MoAb against FABP. It could, thus, be concerned with the synthesis of fibers, which form the scaffold of the parenchyma.