Ultrastructural and autometallographic studies of the nephrocytes of Lithobius forficatus L. (Myriapoda, Chilopoda): role in detoxification of cadmium and lead

Ultrastructural and autometallographic investigations of the nephrocytes of the centipede Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda : Chilopoda) and their role in detoxification of cadmium and lead are presented. This cell-type exhibits the characteristic features of podocytes, i.e. the typical pedicel-basal lamina complex and the well-developed lysosomal vacuolar system. Ultrastructural study demonstrated that heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, may cause intracellular injuries. The autometallographic procedure showed that large electron-dense granules, referred to as cytosomes in the ultrastructural study, are the main organelles of the nephrocytes to accumulate heavy metals. Consequently, these cells may play an important role in the detoxification process.