Neuro-endocrine mechanisms underlying the effects of schistosome parasites on their intermediate snail host

Summary The hypothesis that schistosome parasites influence physiological processes in their snail host by interfering with the (neuro-) endocrine systems regulating these processes has been verified by data obtained on the effects of parasitosis on reproduction and growth. Reproduction and growth, which show an inverse relationship, are clearly disturbed in parasitized snails. Schistosomin, a pepide of 79 amino acids, has appeared to play a crucial role in establishing these effects.