Detection of epithelial acid secretions in marine molluscs: Review of techniques, and new analytical methods

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Abstract

  • 1.

    1. A review of older methods applied to epithelial defensive acid secretions precedes an account of new spot tests and histochemical and chromatographic methods applied to the gastropod Philine aperta.

  • 2.

    2. It was evident from chromatograms that the predominant SO42− anions were not free to migrate so readily as in Analar controls.

  • 3.

    3. Histochemical demonstration by in situ barium sulphate precipitation gave a clear picture of the distribution of sulphuric acid glands in the epithelia.

  • 4.

    4. A rhodizonate spot test gave a microanalytical confirmation of SO42− ions in small volumes of epithelial exudate.

  • 5.

    5. Other effective methods utilized the property of acidic sulphates to char cellulose paper at moderate temperatures.

  • 6.

    6. Such molluscan defensive acid secretions are essentially inorganic and contain principally SO42− anions.

  • 7.

    7. Undischarged acid is held within epithelial glands in active form; it is discharged by means of holocrine epidermal cell bursting. In those species, like Philine aperta, which have subepidermal acid glands, the acid reaches the exterior through acid pores and discharge does not cause cell rupture.

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