Organogenesis in the leech: development of nephridia, bladders and their innervation

The formation of the definitive excretory system (nephridium and bladder complex) in Hirudo medicinalis during the last two thirds of embryonic development was observed with light- and electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and nuclear labeling. In jawed leeches, two excretory systems develop and function successively. The nephridia of the cryptolarva are associated with the larval sac and persist until the definitive nephridia are sufficiently developed to be functional. Development of the definitive excretory system begins with the differentiation of the (ectodermal) bladder and urethra. The cells from which they arise incorporate bacteria and are thereby recognizable at day 8. The (mesodermal) urine-forming tissues of the nephridium (canalicular cells and central canal cells) appear a day later. By day 17, the nephridia are in contact with the outlet region and structurally able to function. Each nephridium is individually innervated by a peripheral neuron, the nephridial nerve cell, which expresses FMR Famide-like immunoreactivity and begins growing into the nephridium on day 11. Organogenesis of the leech nephridium is compared with the formation of excretory organs in other species. The temporal correlation of innervation and the development of the transporting cells is discussed.