Fine structure of the androgenic gland of the crab, Pachygrapsus crassipes

Abstract

The fine structure of the androgenic gland of the crab Pachygrapsus crassipes was investigated mainly in an attempt to determine the nature of the secretory mechanism and to obtain information on the nature of the secretory product by comparing the androgenic gland cell with known steroid- and protein-secreting cells. Except for the absence of electron-dense material in the lamellae of the Golgi centers and as formed secretory granules, the ultrastructure of the androgenic gland cell resembles that of a vertebrate protein-producing cell rather than a steroid-producing cell, being characterized by a well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria having flat, transverse cristae. The androgenic gland cells contain numerous large multivesicular bodies with variable contents. These bodies resemble lysosomes in that acid phosphatase activity can be demonstrated in them at both the light- and electron-microscope levels. It is suggested that the androgenic hormone may be protein or polypeptide in nature. The nature of the secretory process remains enigmatic; no evidence for holocrine secretion was encountered.