Origin and function of supporting cells in the venom glands of the lesser weeverfish (Trachinus vipera)

Supporting cells in the venom glands of Trachinus vipera form a network whose meshes are filled with developed glandular cells. These supporting cells are derived from epidermal cells. A connective tissue sheath forms inside the gland, separating it into pockets. A basal lamina surrounding the pockets between the connective tissue and supporting cells can be observed similar to that between connective tissue and epidermis. The pockets are probably formed by epidermal invagination. In view of the ultrastructural observations, the supporting cells not only maintain the cohesiveness of the venom gland, as demonstrated by the presence of numerous interdigitations and desmosomes, but may also play a role in the regeneration of large glandular cells.