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Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-98, 455-472, Copyright © 1957 by Company of Biologists
1 Department of Zoology, University of Queensland
Each Cuvierian tubule of Holothuria leucospilota consists of a bounding layer of large cells beneath which are bundles of fibres embedded in a clear ground-mass. Present also is an axial cavity containing a core of morula-shaped cells. Immediately below the outer layer longitudinal muscles occur and, internal to these, muscle-bands which run spirally are found.
The cells of the outer layer contain either granulated compartments or angular bodies. Both compartments and angular bodies contain proteinaceous materials. When a tubule is stretched in sea water the cells of the outer layer split and their contents form an amorphous mass which has strong adhesive properties.
The fibres present in the connective tissue of the tubules are collagenous and are associated with acid polysaccharides part, at least, of which are mucopolysaccharides. A polysaccharide which can be removed by testicular hyaluronidase is present in the interfibrillar ground-mass. The chemical constitution of the tubule connective tissue is similar in many respects to that of vertebrate connective tissue.
The mode of discharge and elongation of the tubules is discussed.
