Excavation of Boreholes by the Gastropod, Urosalpinx: An Analysis by Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Penetration of shell by the muricid gastropod, Urosalpinx cinereafollyensis, is accomplished by successive alternating periodsof (a) chemical activity by the accessory boring organ (ABO), and (b) rasping by the radula. This paper reports on the functionsof the radula and of the ABO in producing the characteristicgeometry of the borehole, andon the effects of radular teethand of the ABO secretion on the microscopic anatomy of the surfaceof the borehole during the process of shell-boring. Radulae of U. c. follyensis and the surfaces of incomplete boreholesin the shell of Crassoslrea virginica, Mytilus edulis, and Myawere examined by means of light and scanning electron microscopy.Hardness tests of radular teeth andshell of prey demonstratedthat marginal teeth are harder than rachidian teeth, and thatthe range of hardness of rachidianteeth overlaps that of thethree species of shell. Rasping is carried out by two, occasionallythree, of the five rachidiancusps. Rasping patterns are shallowand asymmetric. Rachidian teeth are worn to the base with use;marginal teeth wear onlyslightly as they are employed mainlyin feeding. The distance between the tips of rachidian cuspscorresponds with the interval between the parallel cusp tracesrasped by them in shell. During each rasping period, snailsscrape off about 1/10 to 1/5 of the surface of the chemicallytreated area of the bottom of the borehole. Dissolution of shell is accomplished by secretion from the secretorydisk of the ABO. With each application of the ABO,most or allof the radular marks of the previous rasping period are erasedby solution of a thin layer of shell. The pattern of etchingis specific for each of the species of shell studied. In oysterand mussel shell, initial solubilization occurs through theorganic, non-mineralized, prism sheaths, exposing prismaticforms shown by other workers to be distinctive for these species,and then proceeds into the organic-calcareous structure of individualprisms. Etching of Mya shell revealed no fundamental prismaticform. Shell-penetration includes dissolution of both organiccomplexes and CaCO₃ crystals. Shell-boring by this snail is principally a chemical process,and the geometry of the borehole is generally a reflection ofthe morphology of the ABO.     

The Development of the Fruit Walls in Carya

Both the pistillate flowers and the developing fruits of CaryaovataandC. cordiformis are covered with secretory and protectivehairs. There are two kinds of the secretory hairs. In the morefrequent one the volatile oils are accumulated under the cuticlecovering the cells of the head. In the other the secretory substancesare accumulated inside the cells. The flowers and the developingfruits of the two investigated species have quite large emergenceson which the stomata most often occur. During the developmentof the fruit lenticels are formed in the green hull. Tanninsare accumulated not only in the green hull, but also in thecarpellary layer and in the packing tissue. There are some differences between C. ovata and C. cordiformisin the course of sclerification of the green hull. In C. cordiformisthe hull is less sclerified than in C. ovata, and the sclerificationof the carpellary layer occurs later. At a certain period ratherlarge gaps are present in the lignifying shell (in the regionsof the sutures) where the cells have thin cellulose walls. Thesegaps are partly filled with sclereids. The gaps become reducedto narrow chinks, in which the cell walls remain unlignified.The hard shell is not formed in all its width at the same time.During the process of formation of the hard fruit shell theremay arise single sclereids surrounded by thin-walled cells.Within a short time these undergo a similar modification andthe tissue becomes uniform as sclerenchyma. The sclereids ofthe hard shell have, in general, strongly folded cell walls.Owing to this they overlap each other.     

Oviductal morphology and egg shelling in the oviparous lizards Crotaphytus collaris and Eumeces obsoletus

Morphological changes occurring in the oviduct and epithelial cells of the lizards Crotaphytus collaris and Eumeces obsoletus during the natural reproductive cycle were examined and quantified. Additionally, development of the eggshell at different stages of gravidity was described. The anterior uterus of each species has a distinct glandular type which differs between species: in E. obsoletus, the glands are tubular and in C. collaris, branched saccular. The branched saccular glands in the anterior uterus of C. collaris produce collagen-like material that forms the fibers of the shell membranes. However, fibers from the eggshell of E. obsoletus did not stain for collagen. The shell of both species is composed of a multilayered inner boundary covered externally by fibers of varying thickness. Initial layers are composed of thick fibers all lying along the same general axis. Outer layers of fibers are progressively thinner and an external surface layer composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is also present. In C. collaris, calcium, which is deposited in relatively small amounts on the shell surface, appears to be secreted by the epithelium of the anterior uterus. The nonciliated secretory epithelial cells covering the villi-like folds of the posterior infundibulum secrete GAGs. Epithelial cell height of the infundibular villi is greatest during early gravidity. A functional relationship may exist between luteal activity and oviductal secretory activity because the activity of the glandular epithelium varied as gravidity progressed.     

Ultrastructure and Secretion of Extrafloral Nectaries of Plumeria rubra L.

Extrafloral nectaries situated on the adaxial side of the petiolebase are differentiated into a long head, comprising subepithelialground tissue surrounded by a layer of elongated palisade-likeepithelial cells and a short stalk from the nectary meristem.Many ultrastructural changes occur in epithelial and subepithelialcells of the nectary, from the young to secretory stages, suchas an increase in the amount of cytoplasm rich in mitochondriawith well developed cristae, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER),smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) tubules and Golgi bodies.Plasmalemma invaginations with secretory vesicles occur longthe radial walls. Substantial amounts of secretory materialaccumulate in the gap between the radial walls and subcuticularspace, probably carried by the secretory vesicles from the cytoplasmat the secretory stage. Before cessation of secretion the cytoplasmbecomes vesiculated and the volume of the vacuome increases.At the post secretory stage, cytolytic processes and death ofcells occur. The subepithelial cells attain their maturity priorto epithelial cells. Histochemical localization reveals thepresence of lipids, proteins and insoluble polysaccharides withinthe epithelial cells and in the secretory material depositedin the subcuticular space as well as the gap between the radialwalls of the epithelial cells and outside the cuticle. Fine structure, nectary, Plumeria rubra, granulocrine secretion     

Selective mechanisms operating on ABO and MN blood groups with special reference to prezygotic selection

Abstract

There is evidence from diverse sources to indicate that ABO blood groups are subject to natural selection at various developmental stages. This paper reviews the findings on associations between ABO blood groups and diseases and on ABO incompatibility as a major cause of prenatal and perinatal selection; provides evidence for prezygotic selection in ABO blood groups; and discusses selection for heterozygotes in ABO blood groups and in MN blood groups. From the evidence examined, the author concludes that the principal mechanism which maintains the ABO blood groups acts during prenatal and perinatal periods in addition to prezygotic stages; that the effective result of associations between ABO blood groups and adult diseases seems to be small; and that the MN polymorphism is probably maintained by the advantage of heterozygotes, apparently limited to MN mothers.     

Carbonic Anhydrase in the Accessory Boring Organ of the Gastropod, Urosalpinx

Carbonic anhydrase (CA), the enzyme which catalyzes the reactionCO₂+H₂OH₂CO₃, was found in both active and resting accessoryboring organs (ABO) of Urosalpinx, using a modification of theWaldeyer and Häusler (1959) technique in which the tissuesection is floated on the substrate solution. The intense reactivityof this gland exceeded the activity of other pedal tissues ofthis muricid gastropod. The ventral pedal gland of the femalealso exhibited strong activity, but theconcentration in thistissue was not as intense as that observed in the ABO. No discernible differences between the microvilli of restingand boring ABOs were noted after fixation in acetone, formalin,or glutaraldehyde. However, notable nuances in reactivity ofthe pedal structures occurred when the comparative effect offixatives was evaluated. All variations of the immersion technique, as opposed to flotationprocedures, exhibited a strong stain only in the microvilliof active ABOs, and little or no activity in resting ABOs. Thisdifference between active and resting ABOs (immersion techniqueonly) appears to be due to the binding (chelation) of calciumwith subsequent replacement of cobalt (probably as a carbonatecomplex) in the substrate. The markedly greater CA activity in the ABO, relative to othersecretory tissues inthe snail, suggests a vital role for thisenzyme in the process of penetrating shell. Thelow pH of thesecretion from the active ABO during boring indicates that atleast one phase of the boring process is a chemical reactionassociated with production of acid.     

The outer mantle epithelium of Haliotis tuberculata (Gastropoda Haliotidae): an ultrastructural and histochemical study using lectins

The mantle of molluscs has been the subject of many studies as it is the organ that forms the shell. Microscopic studies in particular focus on the outer mantle epithelium, but few studies address this epithelium in a histochemical way. In this study, the outer mantle epithelium in adult specimens of Haliotis tuberculata is studied, that is, in specimens involved in maintaining and repairing the shell rather than in generating it. The epithelial cells are studied by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by histochemical techniques, including the use of lectins for their biochemical characterization. The epithelium is composed of pigmented epidermal cells with small microvilli and junctional complexes. It furthermore contains a few ciliated cells, as well as two types of secretory cells which differ in the ultrastructural appearance of their secretory granules and their glycoconjugate content. Histochemical study shows secretory cells containing sulphated glycoconjugates such as glycosaminoglycans or mucins rich in N‐acetylgalactosamine and N‐glycoproteins rich in fucose. Furthermore, the apical regions of the epidermal cells are positive for lectins that label fucose, mannose and N‐acetylglucosamine. The role of epithelial cells in the synthesis of structural components of the shell is discussed.     

Early Shell Formation During Molluscan Embryogenesis, with New Studies on the Surf Clam, Spisula solidissima

Shell formation in molluscs begins early in embryogenesis duringsome stage of archenteron formation. Ultrastructural informationon early formation of external shells is available from onlya few bivalves and gastropods. Secretion of the very first shellmaterial by shell field epithelial cells is preceded by an invaginationof the dorsal ectoderm in the region of the shell field. A centuryago, this invagination was termed the "shell gland." As a secretoryfunction for this invagination has not yet been demonstratedand as the term "shell gland" has taken on various meaningsin the literature, the invagination will be referred to as theshell field invagination. The opening into the shell field invaginationseems to be circular in gastropods and elongate in bivalves.Accordingly initial organic shell material seems to form a ringin gastropods and a saddle in bivalves. As in adult molluscs,shells of pre-metamorphic molluscs are composed of both organicand inorganiccomponents. Ultrastructural data from bivalvesand gastropods indicate that the initial organic shell materialis secreted just outside the shell field invagination (acrossthe pore). Initial inorganic shell materials have not been localizednor their pathway traced into or through any pre-metamorphicmolluscs. New SEM and TEM data show that the invagination inthe bivalve Spisula solidissima is composed of a wide outerregion and very narrow inner region with the first shell materialforming at the junction between the two. This is unlike ultrastructuraldata available for other species. Many sections give the falseimpressions that: 1) the shell field invagination is closedto the outside and, 2) that the first organic shell materiallines the innermost region of the invagination. It is not clearwhether the cells of the outer invagination in this speciesare shell field cells. It is suggested that they are not.     

Pollen-Stigma Interaction in the Leguminosae: the Organization of the Stigma in Trifolium pratense L.

The intact stigma of Trifolium pratense possesses a smooth receptivesurface fringed by a few ranks of brush hairs. This surfaceis ensheathed by a thin (75–100 nm) but highly impermeablecuticle, which encloses four to five ranks of secretory cellsimmersed in their secretory products. Experimental single-grainpollinations show that pollen cannot become hydrated or germinateon the intact surface. The cuticle is ruptured when the floweris tripped; the secretion is released, and captured pollen-selfor cross-can then germinate. As in other papilionoid Leguminosae,this mechanism provides a guard against premature selling. Thesecretory cells are elongated; they remain in communicationthrough persistent pit-fields as the intercellular spaces fillwith secretion product. The secretion forms a lipid-rich emulsion,with a mucilaginous aqueous phase which reacts cytochemicallyfor protein and carbohydrate and has esterase activity. Duringthe early development of the stigma head, the cells possessa fine-structure appropriate to their secretory function, withabundant ribosomal and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, stratifiedor in the form of ramifying and anastomosing tubules, numerousmitochondria and a well developed Golgi system. Lipid globuli,partly invested in endoplasmic reticulum, are abundant in theyoung cells, but there is as yet no indication of how the lipidis transferred to the intercellular spaces during the secretoryperiod. As the stigma matures, the secretory cells become moribund. Leguminosae, Trifolium pratenseL., pollen-stigma interaction, self-incompatibility, autofertility, stigma secretory system, lipid secretion, cuticle permeability     

Fine structure of the corpuscles of stannius in the toadfish.

The micro-anatomy of the corpuscles of Stannius of the toadfish, Opsanus tau, an aglomerular marine teleost, has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The corpuscles are composed of extensively anastomosed cords of epithelial cells which maintain intimate contact with blood capillaries. Most of the epithelial cells contain acidophilic granules which also show a positive reaction with the periodic acid-Schiff technique and aldehyde fuchsin. On the basis of fine structural criteria, three cell types can be recognized. The granular cells contain abundant quantities of granular endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus with prosecretory granules, coated vesicles, polymorphic mitochondria with lamellar cristae, filaments, microtubules, a cilium, a variety of lysosome-like dense bodies, glycogen particles, lipid droplets, secretory granules and intranuclear lipid-like inclusions. One variety of agranular cell (type I) is characterized by the total absence of secretory granules, but it contains large amounts of granular endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, conspicuous profiles of Golgi apparatus, coated vesicles and sometimes an abundance of glycogen. Another variety of agranular cell (type II) has poorly developed cytoplasmic organelles. The perivascular space between the capillary and parenchyma contains connective tissue cells and abundant nerve fibers. The different types of epithelial cells observed in the corpuscles of Stannius of this fish may represent functional stages of the secretory cycle in a single cell type.     

The structure of the gastric mucosa of the llamas (Lama guanocoe and Lama lamae). I. Forestomach]

The mucous membrane of the first and second compartments (ventral regions) as well as of the third compartment of Lama guanacoe and Lama lamae stomach shows tubular glands opening into pits. Below the surface epithelium blood capillaries of the fenestrated type form a regular network, each mesh of which surrounds a gastric pit. From a morphological point of view (thin section and freeze-fracture replicas) the columnar cells of the surface epithelium and those of the pits closest to the capillaries are largely similar to the epithelial cells of the rabbit gallbladder. This similarity suggests that at the level of the columnar cells sodium-dependent water reabsorption occurs. This reabsorption has already been demonstrated in the abovementioned compartments by physiological methods. The surface and foveolae epithelial cells as well as some cells of the tubular glands have a secretory function. Their secretory granules contain mucosubstances, as indicated by light-(PAS- and Alcian blue reactions) and electron microscopic (PA-TCH-Ag-reaction) histochemistry. The secretory granules originate from the Golgi complex which shows a positive histochemical reaction in its innermost sacculi at the electron microscope level. Endocrine cells (s. second part of this investigation) are rare. The mucosal membrane of each muscular lip separating the glandular sacs in the first compartment shows a stratified, not keratinized, squamous epithelium.     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in the human endometrium: modulation during the menstrual cycle

Angiogenesis is fundamental for human endometrial development and differentiation necessary for implantation. These vascular changes are thought to be mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whose specific receptors have not been examined in detail thus far. We conducted the present study to determine, by immunocytochemistry and computerized image analysis of the functionalis, the expression and modulation of the receptors Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1, which mediate VEGF effects on endothelial mitogenicity, chemotaxis, and capillary permeability. VEGF receptors are expressed mainly in endometrial endothelial cells, with variations of intensity and number of stained capillaries related to the phase of the cycle. The number of capillaries immunostained for Flk-1/KDR was maximal in the proliferative phase (ratio Flk-1/CD34: 1), twice as high as the number of Flt-1-expressing capillaries (ratio Flt-1/CD34: 0.47). The staining intensity for Flk-1 decreased during the late proliferative and early secretory phases, to increase again in the midsecretory period. The number of Flt-1-labeled capillaries was about 2-fold higher in the secretory than in the proliferative phase; however, the proportion of Flt-1-positive cells did not change, owing to the associated increase in vascular density that characterizes progression of the functionalis from the proliferative to the secretory stage. The staining intensity for Flt-1 was higher during the late proliferative and secretory phases (especially in the midsecretory phase) and the premenstrual period. In contrast, the proportion of capillaries expressing Flk-1/KDR decreased in the secretory phase (ratio Flk-1/Von Willebrand factor: 0.55). Enhanced expression of Flk-1/KDR, and of Flt-1, on narrow capillary strands at the beginning of and during the proliferative phase may account for the rapid capillary growth associated with endometrial regeneration following menstrual shedding. The high coexpression of Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1 observed on capillaries during the midsecretory period correlates with an increase of endometrial microvascular density and of permeability characteristic of this phase of the cycle, which is a prerequisite for implantation. Finally, strong expression of Flt-1, but not Flk-1/KDR, was observed on dilated capillaries during the premenstrual period and the late proliferative phase, suggesting preferential association of Flt-1 with nonproliferating capillaries at those times; activation of this receptor by VEGF could be involved in premenstrual vascular hyperpermeability, edema, and extravasation of leukocytes. In addition to the endothelial localization, we found that epithelial cells expressed Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR. We conclude that Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR in the functionalis are modulated in parallel or independently according to the phase of the cycle, and that these changes are responsible for VEGF actions on endometrial vascular growth and permeability. The molecular mechanisms concerning these regulations will require further investigation.     

Localization of ATPase Activity on the Plasmalemma of Scutellar Epithelial Cells of Germinating Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Chaffey, N. J. and Harris, N. 1985. Localization of ATPase activityon the plasmalemma of scutellar epithelial cells of germinatingbarley (Hordeum vulgare L.).—J. exp. Bot 36: 1612–1619. ATPase activity has been localized at an ultrastructural levelin the absorptive region of the scutella of germinating barley(Hordeum vulgare L.). The enzyme is localized on the plasmalemmaof the epithelial cells. Using the Gomori reaction the depositionof reaction product on the plasmalemma, which is dependent uponthe presence of supplied ATP, was precluded or reduced by theinhibitors orthovanadate, mercuric chloride and DCCD, whilstß-glycerophosphate would not act as an alternativesubstrate. The mitochondria demonstrated phosphatase activitywith both ATP and ß-glycerophosphate as substrate.The results are discussed in relation to the active uptake ofmetabolites by the scutellum during germination and the structuralmodification of the plasmalemma of the epithelial cells to formplasmatubules. Key words: ATPase, Hordeum vulgare L., localization (ultrastructural)     

Characteristics of the follicular epithelium in the fishes with demersal roe. Concerning the classification of unilaminate monomorphous follicular epithelium of the vertebrates

Follicular epithelium of Hemichromis during the periods of small and slow oocyte growth changes from flattened prismatic into high prismatic; during the periods of fast oocyte growth, the follicular epithelial cells undergo secretory specialization. Secretion is of apocrine type and forms the second oocyte tunica. According to the literature data analyzed and the author's investigation, in the development of unilaminate monomorphous follicular epithelii, it should be distinguished: a) period of primary transformation with characteristic intensive proliferation of epithelial cells, their morphologic transformation, upward growth of epithelium and increase of its physiological activity; b) period of secondary transformation either at the expense of secondary follicular epithelial flattening, or by means of secretory specialization of its cells. It is suggested to name unilaminate monomorphous follicular epithelii in vertebrates according to their construction at the end of the primary and by the character of the secondary transformation. Thus, follicular epithelium of Hemichromis can be defined as highly prismatic with secondary specialization.     

Glandular Trichomes of Fagonia L. (Zygophyllaceae) Species: Structure, Development and Secreted Materials

The glandular trichomes ofFagoniaconsist of one secretory celland a multicellular stalk, which develops by division, elongationand elevation of epidermal cells. The latter become seperatedfrom the mesophyll and a subepidermal chamber is formed. Thelength of the stalk, which differs in the various species orvarieties is determined by the number of cell divisions and/or the extent of cell elongation. Although the basic morphologyand development of the trichomes of the species and varietiesexamined are similar, two types of mature trichomes can be distinguished:one occurs in the two examined varieties ofF. mollisand thesecond inF. glutinosaandF. arabica. The secretory cells of thesecond type possess a very thick wall and bear a porous cupuleon their top. Histochemical tests revealed that the sticky substancesecreted by the secretory cells contains mainly polysaccharidesand lipophilic compounds. The secreted material exhibits autofluorescence.InF. mollisvar.hispidachanges in the amount and shape of thefluorescent material inside the secretory cell, during the courseof development, have been observed. The contribution of theglandular trichomes inFagoniaspecies to survival in hot desertconditions is discussed. Fagonia; glandular trichomes; subepidermal chamber; secreted material; adaptation to desert conditions; stalk; fluorescence     

Development and Structure of Primary Secretory Ducts in the Stem of Commiphora wightii (Burseraceae)

Development of gum-resin ducts, sites of resin synthesis inthe epithelial cells and elimination of resin from the protoplasthave been studied in the stem of Commiphora wightii. Formationof an intercellular space amongst a group of densely stainedprocambial cells signals the initiation of a duct. It widensby anticlinal divisions of the epithelial cells and also bytheir further separation along the radial walls. The numerousplastids with varying morphological shapes have an electrondense matrix. Starch granules present in the amyloplasts showevidences of exocorrosion. Mitochondria in the epithelial cellsof developing and mature ducts have well developed, swollencristae. Osmiophilic material originates in association withthe golgi-derived vesicles at its maturing face. It is alsoobserved in close association with plastids, mitochondria andvacuoles, thereby plausibly involving them in the process ofresin formation. The resinous material is eliminated from thecytoplasm by vesicles enveloped by plasmalemma prior to theirdischarge into the apoplast. Myelin-like multilamellate structuresobserved along the inner tangential wall may aid in the secretionof resin across the wall. Commiphora wightii, primary secretory ducts, epithelial cells, ultrastructure, gum-resin secretion     

Neuroendocrine Control Mechanisms in Shell Formation

The brain of Helisoma duryi contains several neurodendocrinecentres. Factors) present in the cerebral ganglia are thoughtto be involved in normal shell growth while neurosecretory substancespresent in the visceral ganglion are involved in the repairof damaged shell. In Lymnaea stagnalis a growth hormone is producedby the cerebral ganglion which stimulates periostracum formationand the calcification of the inner shell layer. The second effectis thought to occur through the action of a mantle edge calciumbinding protein. In Helisoma, mantle collar is able to produce the periostracumin vitro. The presence of brain from a fast growing donor increasesthe amount of periostracum produced by a mantle collar froma slow growing animal. This effect is further enhanced by theremoval of the lateral lobes. The periostracum produced by fastgrowing animals has a higher glycine content than that producedby slow growing snails. The presence of dorsal epithelial tissueenhances the incorporation of calcium into periostracum formedin vitro. These findings suggest that a single factor is present in thebrain of fast growing Helisoma which modulates shell formationrates in vivo and periostracum formation in vitro.     

Breeding and post-breeding structure of the vas deferens of the long-toed salamander Ambystoma macrodactylum

The vas deferens of Ambystoma macrodactylum is composed of a peritoneal epithelium, connective tissue layer with fibroblasts, circular smooth muscle, capillaries, cells containing lipid, and a luminal epithelium composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells covered by a net of interconnected ciliated squamous cells. The cuboidal cells have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and PAS + secretory vesicles. Squamous cells of breeding males consistently have tufts of ～100 cilia located at one end of the long axis of each cell. These cilia may help distribute secretory products. The squamous cells, absent in post-breeding males, are apparently sloughed into the lumen. Lipid vesicles are present throughout the cytoplasm of the cuboidal and squamous epithelial cells and are also in some cells of the connective tissue layer. These vesicles increase dramatically in number during the first 4 weeks after breeding and may serve as an energy pool for the next breeding season. Enzyme-histochemical tests for testosterone synthesis were negative. In addition to the accumulation of lipid and the loss of squamous cells in the vas deferens, after breeding PAS + vesicle production is terminated. These alterations appear to represent energy conservation strategies employed by the sperm-depleted vas deferens.     

The fine structure of the secretory cells of the uterus (shell gland) of the chicken

The secretory processes in the shell gland of laying chickens were the subject of this study. Three cell types contribute secretory material to the forming egg: ciliated and non-ciliated columnar cells of the uterine surface epithelium, and cells of tubular glands in the mucosa. The ciliated cells as well as the non-ciliated cells have microvilli, which undergo changes in form and extent during the secretory cycle. At the final stages of shell formation they resemble stereocilia. It is postulated that the microvilli of both cells are active in the production of the cuticle of the shell. The ciliated cell which has both cilia and microvilli manufactures secretory granules which arise from the Golgi complex in varying amounts throughout the egg laying cycle. Granule production reaches its greatest intensity during the early stages of shell deposition. The ciliated cell probably supplies proteinaceous material to the matrix of the forming egg shell. The non-ciliated cell has only microvilli. Secretory granules, containing an acid mucopolysaccharide, arise from the Golgi complex. Some granules are extruded into the uterine lumen where they supply the egg shell with organic matrix. Others migrate towards the supranuclear zone. Here a number of them disintegrate. This is accompanied by the formation of a large membraneless space, which is termed “vacuoloid.” Subsequently the vacuoloid regresses and during regression an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum with numerous polyribosomes of spiral configuration appears. It is suggested that material in the vacuoloid originating from the disintegrating granules is resynthesized and utilized for the formation of secretory product. The uterine tubular gland cells have irregular, frondlike microvilli. During egg shell deposition, these microvilli form large blebs and are probably related to the elaboration of a watery, calcium-containing fluid.