CYTOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON SO-CALLED NEOBLASTS IN SERPULID SPIRORBIS

The purported “neoblasts” of the serpulid Spirorbis have been studied in Spirorbis (Paradexiospira) vitreus and Spirorbis (Laeospira) borealis at both the light and electron microscopic levels. These perivasal cells occur in greatest abundance around the ventral blood vessel of the achaetous region. In light microscope preparations, the perivasal cells are intensely basophilic, containing basally situated nuclei, and relatively large nucleoli. The fine structure of the perivasal cells reveals that they contain an abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum, well‐developed Golgi complex, heterogeneous dense bodies, and cytolysomes. The respiratory pigment chlorocruorin, which has a diameter of about 230 Å and is believed to be composed of two superimposed hexagonal components, has been localized within: cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, elements of the Golgi complex, and membrane‐bounded vesicles at the base of the perivasal cells. Evidence is advanced which strongly suggests that molecules of chlorocruorin are transported from the perivasal cells into the lumen of the vessel by reverse pinocytosis. It is concluded that whatever other functional role(s) the perivasal cells of Spirorbis may have, a major function is the synthesis and secretion of chlorocruorin. Whether the perivasal cells can be considered to be pluripotent is discussed. Copyright © 1969 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.