Summary
The connective epineural sheath of the abdominal mass ganglia of the land snail Cryptomphallus aspersa was studied by light and electron microscopy. In this sheath several cellular types were found: fibroblasts, macrophage cells, a special type rich in mitochondria; elongated cells which proved to be muscle cells of paramyosin type and glial cells with dense bodies in close contact with neurosecretory axons. Special attention was paid to the filaments of the muscle cells. Thin and thick ones were found, the last with cross bands with a repeating period of 150 Å. These findings are discussed in relation with the physiological role of the epineural connective sheath in metabolic and mechanical functions.
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From the Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Associated Investigator, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina.
The authors are deeply indebted to Professor Eduardo de Robertis for the valuable advice during the preparation of the manuscript and to Mrs. Defilippi-Novoa and Mr. Raúl Castelli for their skilful assistance.
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Sanchis, C.A., Zambrano, D. The structure of the central nervous system of a pulmonate mollusc (Cryptomphallus aspersa). Z. Zellforsch. 94, 62–71 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335190
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335190