Cellular Discrimination Processes in Metal Accumulating Cells

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Abstract
A technique is described for investigating cellular fluxes and the accumulation of metal ions in the hepatopancreas of the snail Helix aspersa. The method involves the simultaneous administration of double isotopes into the haemocoel and the subsequent detection of these metals in tissues and granule materials. By comparing in vivo and in vitro data it is possible to detect two separate accumulation systems which appear to correspond with metallothionein and pyrophosphate granules. It is also possible to obtain some information of the nature of possible cellular transport systems.