The Histochemistry and Structure of Tentacle Cartilage Tissues in the Marine Polychaete, Sabella Melanostigma
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-1975
Description
The cartilages (or "chondroid" tissue) in tentacles of the polychaete annelid, Sabella melanostigma, have been examined by electron microscopy and a series of histochemical techniques for the demonstration of mucopolysaccharides and protein end-groups. The ultrastructural studies indicated that the cartilages possess an investing layer of dense connective tissue which differs significantly from the matrix material secreted between the chondrocytes. The cartilage matrix was positive for acidic mucins with levels of sulfation above those of mammalian chondroitins A and C. This matrix as well as the investing connective tissue were intensely PAS-positive. Sabella cartilage was also stained intensely by methods for demonstrating tryptophan, tyrosine, side-chain carboxyl groups, disulfide groups, and amino groups. It was not stained by the procedure for sulfhydryl groups. Some evolutionary aspects of cartilage and chondroid tissues were discussed.
Citation Information
Cowden, Ronald R.; and Fitzharris, Timothy. 1975. The Histochemistry and Structure of Tentacle Cartilage Tissues in the Marine Polychaete, Sabella Melanostigma. Histochemistry. Vol.43(1). 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00490150 PMID: 49336 ISSN: 0301-5564