The body wall of Halicryptus spinulosus (Priapulida) — ultrastructure and changes induced by hydrogen sulfide

Halicryptus spinulosus (Priapulida) is extraordinarily resistant to hydrogen sulfide. As described previously, the body wall of specimens from oxic and from hydrogen sulfide-contaminated habitats differs strikingly in colour. In the present paper the ultrastructure of the body wall of specimens kept under oxic conditions is described. These findings serve as a reference for changes induced by exposure to hydrogen sulfide. There are marked ultrastructural differences between epidermal and muscular mitochondria exposed to hydrogen sulfide. Epidermal mitochondria of individuals subjected to hydrogen sulfide are often associated with dense granules of unknown composition. Findings are compared with those from other taxa which may encounter hydrogen sulfide in their environment.Contribution No. 386 of the Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- and Meeresforschung (Awl Bremerhaven).