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Comparison of body wall histologic structure of two medicinal leeches Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana (Hirudinida: Hirudinidae)

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Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine secretory cell types using histochemical properties of secretory cells and epidermis histology in the body wall of two medicinal leech species, Hirudo verbana and Hirudo sulukii. In addition, areas of epidermis epithelial cells, secretory cell types, and secretion areas of secretory cells stained with histochemical stains were statistically compared in both species. Epidermis is composed of single layer of cylindrical epithelium and secretory cells. The cuticle layer covers the epithelial layer. Some Type 1 cells within and close to the epidermis were determined as pear-shaped secretory cells. Type 2a and Type 2b secretory cells were found in large groups in the inner parts of the body wall, especially around muscles. While Type 1 cells were stained weakly with PAS and AB, Type 2b cells were stained darker than Type 2a cells. Statistical calculations showed that areas of epithelial and secretory cells were generally larger in H. sulukii than in H. verbana. Therefore, H. sulukii was thought to be a more resistant species compared to H. verbana. As secretion areas of secretory cells reacting with PAS and AB stains were generally larger in H. sulukii, it was concluded that mucus composition between the two species has different concentration

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Acknowledgements

This research is based on MSc thesis of first author.

Funding

This research was funded by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (Project ID: 20862)

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  1. Biology Department, Science Faculty, Ege University, Zoology Section, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey

    Müge Uncu Gül & Özlem Çakıcı

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  1. Müge Uncu Gül
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  2. Özlem Çakıcı
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Correspondence to Özlem Çakıcı.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

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Gül, M.U., Çakıcı, Ö. Comparison of body wall histologic structure of two medicinal leeches Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana (Hirudinida: Hirudinidae). Cell Tissue Res 387, 75–84 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-021-03549-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-021-03549-x

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