A GLAND SYSTEM OF THE HYPOBRANCHIAL TYPE IN THE MANTLE OF PALUDINA VIVIPARA DRAPARNAUD (GASTROPODA PROSOBRANCHIA): A MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Abstract

SUMMARY A gland system of the hypobranchial type has been observed in the mantle of Paludina vivipara Draparnaud (Gastropoda Prosobranchia) and it has been histomorphologically and histochemically characterized. Three areas have been recognized: two side areas (a branchial and a rectal one) with chemically different mucocytes; a central area, where two cell types are found; the first with a glycoproteic secretion, the second with a proteic secretion. The author emphasizes the differences from the hypobranchial glands of other Prosobranchial Gastropods.