Abstract
This paper provides the first description of the Haswell cells at the ultrastructural level, as well as giving an insight into their function. Two species of Temnocephalidae were studied, Temnocephala iheringi and T. haswelli. Haswell cells are identical in both species, and their structure indicates that they have a secretory function. They are highly interdigitated with parenchymal cells and are usually joined to them by cup-like desmosomes. Nuclei are irregular, with a honeycomb structure and perichromatin granules. The most prominent organelle is granular endoplasmic reticulum, which is typically arranged in concentric rings that usually encircle a conspicuous Golgi complex. Secretion bodies are secreted via projections of the Haswell cells that reach the surface in the anterior portion of the body and in the tentacles. Distinct pores with a size and distribution consistent with the TEM observations were seen under SEM in these regions.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are indebted to Dr. Pedro García-Corrales and members of the “Servicio de Miscroscopía Electrónica”, University of Alcalá de Henares (Spain) for their technical assistance during the present study. Many thanks to María Eugenia Díaz and Gonzalo Olagüe for their valuable assistance, and to Joan B. Williams, Klaus Rohde, Lester R.G. Cannon and María Cristina Damborenea, who provided relevant bibliography.
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Volonterio, O., Ponce de León, R. The first ultrastructural description of the Haswell cells in Temnocephalidae (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida), with insights into their function. Parasitol Res 92, 355–360 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-1053-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-1053-9