The saccus vasculosus of Anguilla anguilla (L.) from larva to adult

Summary The ultrastructure of coronet cells of the saccus vasculosus has been studied in specimens of Anguilla anguilla (L.) at different stages of its life cycle. At all the stages observed coronet cells are composed of a basal and an apical part, the latter bearing globules with primary vesicles. In the larva (a marine form) and in the fully metamorphosed small eel at the time of entry into freshwater the narrow lumen and the vesicles within the apical globules are filled with electron-dense material. In forms in which adaptation to freshwater has occurred, the saccus lumen appears expanded, the apical globules are better developed, and the electron-dense material has disappeared. It is suggested that the two situations observed represent different functional states of the organ, in relation to different conditions of environmental salinity.The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Dr. G. Andreoli, of the University of Parma, who provided the Atlantic larvae for this study.