The ultrastructure of venom-producing cells in Paranemertes peregrina (Nemertea, Hoplonemertea)

The nemertean Paranemertes peregrina uses its long, eversible proboscis to capture nereid polychaetes. During prey capture, the glandular epithelium of the everted proboscis secretes a sticky venom that contains a potent neurotoxin. In this study, the ultrastructure of the venom-producing epithelium is examined before and after capture of nereid prey. Four types of cells can be distinguished in the glandular epithelium, based on the shape and staining properties of their secretory products. The cells contain fusiform or coalescent types of rhabdoids, acidophilic granules, or flocculent material. All four cell types occur in the anterior part of the proboscis, but only cells with acidophilic granules have been observed in the posterior chamber. The glandular epithelium of the anterior chamber secretes sheets of venomous mucus that are composed of the four types of secretory products fused together, while the epithelial cells of the posterior chamber produce a granulated discharge. Cells that contain flocculent material also occur in the epidermis of P. peregrina. The flocculent material is believed to contain the toxic component of the venom, as its distribution in the anterior proboscis chamber and body wall correlates with previous reports of toxin concentrations that were derived from assays of tissue extracts.