Summary
The cells of Mehlis's gland in the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica L.) have been studied with light and electron microscopy. The gland contained large cells in the periphery and small cells in the centre. The large cells presented morphological features characteristic of secretory cells, viz. large nucleoli, cytoplasmic basophilia, a well developed endoplasmic reticulum, abundant ribosomes, and secretory granules in different stages of development. The mitochondria were moderately frequent. Several small groups of vesicles and membraneous lamellae reminiscent of Golgi complexes occurred randomly in the cytoplasm. These structures were associated with mitochondria and secretory granules. Evidence of alterations and conversion into a cell débris was observed, and a process of holocrine secretion was suggested.
The small cells were strongly basophilic, contained numerous ribosomes and mitochondria, and a few dense bodies. The internal membranes were few. The small cells had a primitive appearance and showed no secretory properties.
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Thorsell, W., Björkman, N. On the fine structure of the Mehlis gland cells in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica L.. Z. F. Parasitenkunde 26, 63–70 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00260380
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00260380