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Intracellular inclusions in the nematode Tripyloides marinus from metal-enriched and cleaner estuaries in Cornwall, south-west England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

R. N. Millward
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TY

Extract

Two types of electron-dense inclusions are described using transmission electron microscopy from the marine nematode Tripyloides marinus (Nematoda; BÜtshli, 1874) isolated from a metal-enriched site and a site of low metal contamination. These were classified as granular, intracellular inclusions in the intestinal syncytium, and fluid-filled vesicles along the cuticular margin of the epidermis. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) showed that the intestinal granules were largely comprised of P and S, with variable levels of Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe and Br, and that the epidermal vesicles contained high levels of Br and S with variable levels of Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe and P. It is suggested that intestinal granule formation may be involved in the detoxification of heavy metal sulphides and might result in a heightened ability of the species to colonize metal-enriched sediments. The function of the cuticular vesicles is unclear, but might be linked to a predatory or microbial defence mechanism (Woodin et al., 1987), or as part of a metal detoxification system.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1996

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