Effect of Electrical Vagal Stimulation on Migration of Hymenolepis diminuta

Stimulation of the left efferent vagal nerve (2 msec, 5 V, 10 Hz), for up to 60 min in rats infected with 11-day-old Hymenolepis diminuta induced anteriad migration of worm scolex and biomass in the small intestine. Ligation at the pyloric sphincter prior to vagal stimulation shortened the length of time before significant relocation occurred and increased the migrational response. The results support the hypothesis that worm migration is mediated via vagal stimulation of gastrointestinal function, and is unrelated to actual feeding.