The growth of Hymenolepis microstoma in intact and gonadectomized mice.

Gonadectomy or sex of the host had no effect on the mean dry weight of Hymenolepis microstoma examined on day 12 postinfection (p.i.). However, on day 20 p.i. worms from intact or sham-operated male mice were significantly heavier than those recovered from the corresponding groups of female hosts. Orchiectomy of hosts lowered the average weight of these older worms, but ovariectomy had no effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]