Electron Microscopy of Certain Gland Cells in Two Digenetic Trematodes

Abstract

Electron microscope observations have been made on the structure of certain large acidophilic secretory cells surrounding the oral sucker and pharynx in Haplometra cylindracea and Opisthioglyphe ranae. The cells are pear-shaped and taper to form ductlike structures which are permanently packed with secretion droplets and which extend anteriorly from the cells and open to the exterior through pores to the tegument. The role of the cells in these worms is discussed in the light of known histochemical evidence.