The main results of this investigation support the following conclusions:
(a) P. laevis elicit an increase in the total number of fish intestinal
mucous cells independently from the fish host species; (b) intestinal
folds in proximity to P. laevis showed an increased length most probably
linked to cell hyperplasia; (c) the hyperplasia of mucous cells occurred
only near the site of attachment of the parasite (i.e. local response);
(d) in Squalis cephalus infected with P. laevis mucous cells containing
acidic glycoconjugates and mixed glycoconjugates are dominant
mucous cells; (e) the excessive mucus do not lead to acanthocephalan
expulsion from host intestine but act as a barrier protecting the mucosa