A LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDY OF THE HEMOCYTES AND HEPATOPANCREAS AS POSSIBLE SITES OF HEMOCYANIN SYNTHESIS IN THE TERRESTRIAL ISOPOD, ARMADILLIDIUM VULGARE
Abstract
The hemocytes of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare have been characterized and represent three basic cell types, the hyaline cell, the semi-granulocyte, and the granulocyte. Differential counts show variation in numbers of each cell type during the molt cycle. The semi-granulocytes and the granulocytes have been shown to be involved in the production and release of hemocyanin into the hemolymph. The Golgi bodies of the semi-granulocytes produce single-membrane bound granular inclusions which gradually increase in size and number. The granulocytes, containing predominately mature inclusion bodies eventually rupture, releasing the cytoplasmic inclusions into the hemolymph. The mature granular inclusions contain a Crystalline structure which is consistent with the 1-hexamer form of hemocyanin previously identified in the hemolymph of Armadillidium vulgare. Immunocytochemical studies using antibodies to hemocyanin also demonstrated the presence of hemocyanin in the semi-granulocytes and granulocytes. The staining was more intense in the semi-granulocytes than in the granulocytes. X-ray microanalysis indicated that the semi-granulocytes and granulocytes contain high levels of elemental copper is directly associated with the granular inclusion bodies. Immunocytochemical studies of the glandular region of the hepatopancreas have demonstrated the presence of hemocyanin in the cytoplasm surrounding the cuprosomes of the S cells. This observation is consistent with the theory that the hepatopancreas in isopods is involved in hemocyanin metabolism.
Subject Area
Biology
Recommended Citation
FASO, LOUIS, "A LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDY OF THE HEMOCYTES AND HEPATOPANCREAS AS POSSIBLE SITES OF HEMOCYANIN SYNTHESIS IN THE TERRESTRIAL ISOPOD, ARMADILLIDIUM VULGARE" (1987). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8727844.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8727844
