Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of secretory cells in the skin of the leech, Dina lineata.

ABSTRACT

The ultrastructure and histochemical features of the two types of secretory cells in leech skin are described. Pear-shaped cells secrete mucus containing carboxylated mucosubstances, while tubular cells produce a mucus containing a mixture of neutral, carboxylated, and sulfated mucosubstances. Pear-shaped secretory cells have two types of neuroglandular junctions, one containing dense-core serotonergic vesicles and the other small clear vesicles. Tubular secretory cells have large terminals, with many clear vesicles thought to be cholinergic. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.