ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Haemocyanin synthesis
;
Cephalopoda
;
Nautilus
;
midgut gland
;
immunocytochemistry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The branchial gland of the dibranchiate cephalopods is described as the site of haemocyanin synthesis. Because there is no equivalent to this organ in tetrabranchiate cephalopods the localization of haemocyanin synthesis remained unknown for a long time. In this study we could confirm the conclusions from prelimnary investigations concerning the copper content of the midgut gland ofNautilus, which gave the first indications for a possible localization of haemocyanin synthesis in this organ. We developed a polyclonal antibody againstNautilus haemocyanin, tested its specificity, and used it on ultra-thin sections of the tissue of the midgut gland. It could be shown that there is a clear imunogold precipitation only on the triangular basal cells in the terminal alveoli. All the other types of cell in this organ were free of any immunoreactivity. It can be supposed that the triangular basal cells in the terminal alveoli of the midgut gland are the sites of haemocyanin synthesis inNautilus.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01969726
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