Histochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Amatorial Organ of Hemiplecta distincta (Pfeiffer) : (Pulmonata : Ariophantidae)

Abstract

Histochemical and ultrastructural studies were carried out on the amatorial organ of sexually-matured snails, Hemiplecta distincta (Pfeiffer), to observe the morphology and determine the nature of secretion. The amatorial organ is situated in a right anterior position near the genital opening. The organ consists of circular and longitudinal muscles, granule secreting cells (M1) which secrete neutral-mucopolysaccharides, mucocytes (M2) which secrete acid-mucopolysacharides and lumen cells (LC) which produce zymogenic granules. The ultrastructure of granule secreting cells is discussed. The cells are identified by their superficial location and by the character of their dense mucous granules. Cytoplasm have a large quantity of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies and free ribosomes.