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Is mucus involved in biocrystallization?

Study of the intestinal mucus of the sea-water eel Anguilla anguilla L.

Cell and Tissue Research volume 245, pages 599–604 (1986)Cite this article

Summary

Freeze-dried intestinal mucus of sea-water-adapted eels was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis. Calcite crystals were observed in the mucus fibres; their concentration increased along the hindgut. Random SEM observations made in situ indicated that mucus fibres were involved in the genesis of these crystals. Calcium-rich mucus globules were found fused inside crystal matrices. Single typical rhombohedric crystals of various complexity appeared within the mucus framework. The steps of crystal biogenesis were reconstituted in in-vitro conditions.

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Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Zoologie, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France

    Willy Humbert, Raymond Kirsch & Valérie Simonneaux

Authors
  1. Willy Humbert
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  2. Raymond Kirsch
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  3. Valérie Simonneaux
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Humbert, W., Kirsch, R. & Simonneaux, V. Is mucus involved in biocrystallization?. Cell Tissue Res. 245, 599–604 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218561

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218561

Key words

  • Osmoregulation
  • Mucus
  • Intestine
  • Biocrystallization
  • Calcium
  • Anguilla anguilla