Cytoarchitecture of the Hepatopancreas of Three Species of Crabs from Mar Chiquita Lagoon, Argentina

Abstract

Based on the various functions of the crustacean hepatopancreas, this work analyzes the possible structural differences in brachyurans from different microhabitats in the Mar Chiquita lagoon “cangrejal” (37° 45′ S, 57° 26′ W). Adult males in intermolt (Stage C) of Uca uruguayensis, Chasmagnathus granulata and Cyrtograpsus angulatus were collected at the same time. The hepatopancreas was removed and processed by using standard histological techniques. The organ completely occupies the dorsal hemocoel in C. granulata and C. angulatus, while it is arranged in two dorsal, lateral masses in U. uruguayensis. The cytoarchitecture of the three species is similar to that observed in other brachyurans. Differences in the tubular structure are related to the presence of a peritrophic lamina in all its extension and a marked differentiation at the medial zone in C. angulatus. The tubular lumen in C angulatus and U. uruguayensis is cross-shaped, though very branched in C. granulata. These characteristics indicate a different rhythm in the cycle of cellular activity. The tubular and cell dimensions are similar for the three species; it is outstanding the augmented intertubular tissue in U. uruguayensis.