THE FORMATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE GLOCHIDIAL CYST

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Abstract
A glochidium, attached to a gill or fin of a fish host, becomes covered within a few hours by host tissue which advances from all sides. Encystment is not the result of cell proliferation but is accomplished by an active mass movement of cells from adjoining regions. A compensatory period of mitosis may then appear subsequent to encystment, apparently for the purpose of replacing cells lost to the cyst by emigration. Fin cysts are largely epithelial in structure, but gill cysts contain connective tissue as well. A completed cyst soon becomes thinner, smoother and more symmetrical. Thereafter no significant changes occur, and no specializations develop to care for the metabolic needs of the metamorphosing parasite. Liberation of the young mussel is accomplished partly by its own efforts, aided apparently by sloughing. Eepair of the resulting defect in host tissue is rapid, and of the same nature as at encystment. The following species were used in the investigations.[long dash]Hookless glochidia: Lampsilis luteola; L. anodontoides. Hooked series: Hemilastena ambigua; Anodonta corpu-lenta.

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