LIPID METABOLISM IN HELMINTH PARASITES .6. SYNTHESIS OF 2-CIS,6-TRANS FARNESOL BY HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA (CESTODA)

1. 1. Hymenolepis diminuta did not synthesize squalene or cholesterol from C14-labeled acetate, hydroxymethylglutarate or mevalonate. 2. 2. All three intermediates were converted to 2-cis,6-trans farnesol and much smaller amounts of 2-trans,6-trans farnesol, the pyrophosphate derivative of the latter being the normal precursor for squalene and cholesterol synthesis in mammals. 3. 3. Both farnesol isomers are normal constituents of H. diminuta, in amounts approximating 25 μg and 2·6 μg/g wet wt., respectively. Farnesal and nerolidol were absent, but minor amounts of farnesyl or nerolidyl pyrophosphates were present. 4. 4. The presence of significant amounts of farnesols in H. diminuta is considered in relation to their possible juvenile hormone activity. © 1969.