HISTOPHYSIOLOGY OF GILL AND KIDNEY OF CRAB OCYPODE ALBICANS

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Abstract
The fine structure of the gill and kidney of the crab Ocypode albicans was examined for evidence of specific sites of transfer of the Cl ion. Gill lamellar epithelium showed the char-" acteristic morphology of secreting or absorbing cells; they are the sites of constant absorption of Cl ion from the environment, performing this function in the wide range from hypotonic to hypertonic environmental situations. Renal tubule cells of the kidney are the sites of active Cl ion excretion. This is demonstrated by the morphology typical of secreting cells, substantiated by the Leschke test for Cl ion. Branchial epithelium showed no evidence of active participation in Cl ion transfer. Athrocytes of gill and kidney end-sac may accumulate Cl ion in a complex molecule, but demonstrate no participation in the regulation of the Cl ion.