Histological studies on Halicryptus spinulosus (Priapulida) with regard to environmental hydrogen sulfide resistance |
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Authors: | Rolf Oeschger Hans Heinrich Janssen |
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Affiliation: | (1) Meereszoologie, Universität Bremen, Fachbereich 2, Außenstelle, Bürgermeister-Smidt-Straße 20, 2850 Bremerhaven, Germany;(2) Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- and Meeresforschung, Columbusstraße, 2850 Bremerhaven, Germany |
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Abstract: | The priapulid Halicryptus spinulosus has an outstanding resistance to anoxia and hydrogen sulfide, which enables the animal to survive in deteriorating environments. Whole-body staining procedures, as well as light and scanning electron microscopy were used to study structures and mechanisms possibly involved in sulfide detoxification.The cuticle of the trunk is covered by a coat of mucus and bacteria. Within this coat considerable amounts of finely dispersed iron are precipitated, probably as a Fe2+-compound. It is suggested that the iron functions as a rechargeable buffer against hydrogen sulfide, protecting both the bacteria and the priapulid host. Although this chemical shield may not alone account for long-term protection, it allows the animal to gain time for metabolic adaptations.Contribution No. 289 of the Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- and Meeresforschung (AWI Bremerhaven). |
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Keywords: | histology iron hydrogen sulfide Halicryptus spinulosus |
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