Ferritin as an exogenously derived yolk protein in Helisoma duryi (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

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Abstract
The iron storage protein ferritin is identified as a yolk component in Helisoma duryi by histochemistry, electron microscopy, energy dispersive analytical x-ray analysis, and radioimmunoassay. It was found to accumulate in the yolk granules of maturing oocytes when the attained a diameter of 50 .mu.m. Extraction of the protein and its estimation by radioimmunoassay in tissues from reproducing and reproductively inactive (virgin) snails suggest that ferritin is synthesized extragonadally and transported in the blood to maturing oocytes in the ovotestis. Ferritin was also found in the digestive gland and in the mantle, which contains pore cells. Mantle ferritin levels fluctuated with reproductive activity. The possibility that pore cells play a role in regulating vitellogenic ferritin is discussed.