Hemocyanin re-uptake in the renal and branchial heart appendages of the coleoid cephalopod Sepia officinalis.
The renal and branchial heart appendages of Sepia officinalis L. were investigated in order to elucidate a possible involvement of their excretory epithelia in hemocyanin metabolism. Immunocytochemical findings and tracer experiments indicate that after passing the barrier of ultrafiltration the hemocyanin molecules are taken up by the epithelial cells of the renal and branchial heart appendages and are subsequently carried back to the circulatory system, suggesting a mechanism of hemocyanin recycling. Apart from a function in maintaining constant hemocyanin levels, the present study indicates that the renal and branchial heart appendages are also sites of temporary hemocyanin storage.
Beuerlein
K
K
Institut für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Bereich Entwicklungsbiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität, Giessen, Germany. knut.beuerlein@allzool.bio.uni-giessen.de
Westermann
B
B
Ruth
P
P
Schimmelpfennig
R
R
Schipp
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008974:Mollusca / Q000378:metabolism*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D006433:Hemocyanins