Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in Didymocystis wedli Ariola, 1902 (Didymozoidae, Digenea)

ABSTRACT

The ultrastructure of the male reproductive system of Didymocystis wedli was studied for the first time, demonstrating spermiogenesis and spermatogenesis at different cell stages. The spermatozoa morphology was compared with that of other Digenea species. It was observed that the different cells of the spermatogenesis process follow the classic pattern reported for the majority of the parasitic platyhelminthes. During spermiogenesis, rootlet fibers, electrondense bodies and median cytoplasmic process were not observed. The mature spermatozoa of D. wedli were filiform, presenting nucleus, mitochondrion and two 9+1 axonemes, with a biflagellate distal extremity