Effect of d-hydrastine on the ultrastructure of experimental Echinococcus granulosus cyst in mice

The ultrastructural changes in the germinal membranes of Echinococcus granulosus cysts treated with d-hydrastine (3.75 mg/(kg.d), ig) for 20 d were studied. Cysts from d-hydrastine treated mice were shown by transmission electron microscope to have dissolution of the microtriches, disturbance of organelles in their arrangement, dilatation and disruption of microtubules, increase in size and number of lysosomes, a decrease in number of Golgi complexes and lessening in density and swelling of mitochondria. Under scanning electron microscope, many pits arising from the outer and inner surfaces of the germinal membrane were observed. It seems that d-hydrastine has a profound intracellular effect on experimental Echinococcus granulosus cysts in mice, and that it may be a promising drug for treating hydatidosis.