Localization of Porphyrin Fluorescence in Planarians

Abstract
Two species of planarians were studied by fluorescence microscopy. Red fluorescence of uroporphyrin was observed localized in the epidermal rhabdites and subepidermal rhabdite-containing gland cells. Fluorescence was observed in isolated rhabdites of homogenates, but was not seen in rhabdites of the living animal. The identity of rhabdites was established by their location, shape, size, and acidophilic staining properties.