The histochemistry of the mucous cells of the epidermis of some lumbricillid enchytraeids (Annelida, Oligochaeta)
Richards, K.S.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Including Cyto-Enzymology 22(2): 219-225
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 147739 Document Number: 121255
Two types of mucous cell occur in the epidermis of Lumbricillus georgiensis, L. mirabilis and L. vancouverensis. One is a granular cell type, the secretion of which is an acid mucus, and is not found in other enchytraeid genera; the other is a non-acid secretion in the form of globules. The granular, acid mucus has a neutral mucopolysaccharide moiety possessing vic glycols and gives weak protein reactions. The acid moiety is carboxylated and susceptible to hyaluronidase and .beta.-glucuronidase. The secretion of the non-acid, globular cells is a neutral glycoprotein. The possible function of a uronic acid-containing mucosubstance in these small, littoral enchytraeids is discussed and the results are compared with those of other oligochaetes.