open access

Vol 44, No 1 (2006)
Original paper
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-04-06
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Autofluorescence in eleocytes of some earthworm species.

Justyna Cholewa, Graham P Feeney, Michael O' Reilly, Stephen R StĂźrzenbaum, A John Morgan, Barbara Płytycz
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(1):65-71.

open access

Vol 44, No 1 (2006)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-04-06

Abstract

Immunocompetent cells of earthworms, coelomocytes, comprise adherent amoebocytes and granular eleocytes (chloragocytes). Both cell populations can be expelled via dorsal pores of adult earthworms by exposure to an electric current (4.5 V) for 1 min. Analysis by phase contrast/fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated that eleocyte population of several species exhibits a strong autofluorescence. A high percentage (11-35%) of autofluorescent eleocytes was recorded in Allolobophora chlorotica, Dendrodrilus rubidus, Eisenia fetida, and Octolasion sp. (O. cyaneum, O. tyrtaeum tyrtaeum and O. tyrtaeum lacteum). In contrast, autofluorescent coelomocytes were exceptionally scarce (less than 1%) in representative Aporrectodea sp. (A. caliginosa and A. longa) and Lumbricus sp. (L. castaneus, L. festivus, L. rubellus, L. terrestris). Thus, this paper for the first time describes profound intrinsic fluorescence of eleocytes in some--but not all--earthworm species. The function (if any) and inter-species differences of the autofluorescent coelomocytes still remain elusive.

Abstract

Immunocompetent cells of earthworms, coelomocytes, comprise adherent amoebocytes and granular eleocytes (chloragocytes). Both cell populations can be expelled via dorsal pores of adult earthworms by exposure to an electric current (4.5 V) for 1 min. Analysis by phase contrast/fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated that eleocyte population of several species exhibits a strong autofluorescence. A high percentage (11-35%) of autofluorescent eleocytes was recorded in Allolobophora chlorotica, Dendrodrilus rubidus, Eisenia fetida, and Octolasion sp. (O. cyaneum, O. tyrtaeum tyrtaeum and O. tyrtaeum lacteum). In contrast, autofluorescent coelomocytes were exceptionally scarce (less than 1%) in representative Aporrectodea sp. (A. caliginosa and A. longa) and Lumbricus sp. (L. castaneus, L. festivus, L. rubellus, L. terrestris). Thus, this paper for the first time describes profound intrinsic fluorescence of eleocytes in some--but not all--earthworm species. The function (if any) and inter-species differences of the autofluorescent coelomocytes still remain elusive.
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About this article
Title

Autofluorescence in eleocytes of some earthworm species.

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 44, No 1 (2006)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

65-71

Published online

2006-04-06

Page views

1671

Article views/downloads

1719

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(1):65-71.

Authors

Justyna Cholewa
Graham P Feeney
Michael O' Reilly
Stephen R StĂźrzenbaum
A John Morgan
Barbara Płytycz

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