Histopathological alterations of the gonad of Tegula euryomphala (Gastropoda: Trochidae) parasitized by an Opecoelidae (Digenea)

Abstract

Trematodes can alter the population structure of gastropods by castration. An unusual color in the gonads of the gastropod Tegula euryomphala, associated with larvae of parasitic helminths, was detected in specimens collected from La Herradura Bay, Coquimbo, Chile. To evaluate the histopathological alteration of the gonad due to parasites we processed tissue of non-parasitized specimens and parasitized specimens of T. euryomphala by means of standard histological techniques. It was determined that the histological alteration produced by the sporocysts of the trematodes on the gonad is extreme and only the outer capsule keeps its normal structure. The trabecular zone is partially or completely replaced by sporocysts of trematodes. The internal capsule is disrupted and interrupted into sections, allowing the invasion of parasites in the digestive gland. In specimens castrated partially we recorded compression of the gonadal trabeculae towards the periphery of the gonad. Also we determined spermatogonia and spermatocytes disorganization and lack of mature oocytes in the parasitized individuals. Observations suggest that the histological alterations in gonads castrated of T. euryomphala are the result of mechanical factors mediated by the larval stages of the trematode parasite belonging to the family Opecoelidae.