Histochemical and ultrastructural features of the aorta of the slug (Limax maximus).

Abstract

AbstractAs a part of a continuing study of unusual molluscan tissues, the “chondroid” tissue (Hyman, '67) associated with the anterior and posterior aortae of the slug (Limax maximus) was examined by light and electron microscopy. Unlike the odontophoral tissue of this species (Curtis and Cowden, '77), the “chondroid” tissue comprising the adventitial layer of the aorta consists of large, glycogen‐filled cells with characteristic arrays of pores in their plasma membranes resembling those of the “globular” cells (Rogers, '69; Fernandez, '71); “fibrocytes” (Nicaise et al., '66; Baleydier et al., '69; Nicaise, '73); “Blasenzellen” or “Leydig” cells (Wondrak, '69; Stang‐Voss, '70; Buchholz et al., '71; Stang‐Voss and Staubesand, '71; Wolburg‐Buchholz, '72); or “pore” cells (Sminia, '72; Beltz, '77) of other mollusks. The anterior and posterior aortae are very similar in organization, except that the anterior aorta is larger in diameter; its wall is thinner; and it lacks calcification. Both the anterior and posterior aortae possess a loosely organized (incomplete) endothelial layer surrounded by two layers of innervated smooth muscle. The smooth muscle cells possess fibrous surface specializations resembling hemidesmosomes as well as large numbers of tubular or rounded vesicles in association with their plasma membranes. Blood cells (amoebocytes) containing large glycogen deposits and distinctive membrane‐enclosed cytoplasmic inclusions can be found occasionally in the walls of the vessels.