Possible Role of Rhabdite-forming Cells in Cellular Succession of the Planarian Epidermis

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Abstract
Cytological observations on the intact epidermis suggested that the juvenile type of epidermal cell proper was originated from the parenchymal rhabdite-forming cells. On the basis of morphological and quantitative data of cephalic regeneration, it was assumed that there were three stages in the process of epidermal epithelization. The initial wound closure was completed by a thin layer of uninjured epidermal cells which had migrated from the wound margin. Subsequently the parenchyma-derived rhabdite-forming cells were associated with the epidermal cells to recruit them. At the later stage, newly differentiated rhabdite-forming cells from the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells participated in growth of the epidermis. The growing process of the epidermis may be closely related to the transdifferentiative capacity of these new rhabdite-forming cells.