Element composition and biochemical components of Dirofilaria immitis

Element composition of whole canine heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) was determined using inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectroscopy. The elements evaluated included Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Al, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn, As, and Pb. The only significant sex difference was calcium concentration which was higher in females. Amino acid analyses of body fluid revealed presence of nine essential and eight non-essential amino acids. Concentrations for male and female heartworms were not significantly different. The spectrum of amino acids was similar to that previously reported for canine plasma. Neurotransmitters or their metabolites detected in whole male and female heartworms using HPLC with electrochemical detector were epinephrine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, dopamine, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Those not detected were norepinephrine, homovanillic acid, and 5-hydroxytryptamine.