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1 Histologie et Biologie Tissulaire, Université Claude Bernard, 43, boulevard du 11 Novembre, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
The fine structure of ctenophore colloblasts was examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
The same structure was found consistently in the three largest orders of the main class of Ctenophora (Tentaculata).
The colloblast is a pear-shaped cell, firmly anchored in the tentacular mesoglea by its tapering base. This highly specialized cell is always nucleated and contains an intracytoplasmic helical thread which divides into numerous fibrous radii at its distal end. Each radius bears at its tip an eosinophilic granule containing a mucoid substance which, when released by contact with the prey, glues it to the tentacle. The outer refractive vesicles, which are interpreted here as the remains of another kind of cell, seem to play no part in the capture phenomenon.
The innervation of the colloblast by a chemical synapse is described and discussed with respect to functional mechanics and phylogeny.
The colloblast appears to be a disposable capture cell and a new scheme of its organization is proposed.
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  R. Waggett and J.H. Costello Capture mechanisms used by the lobate ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, preying on the copepod Acartia tonsa J. Plankton Res., November 1, 1999; 21(11): 2037 - 2052. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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