HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF Archachatina marginata ovum (GASTROPODA: ACHATINIDAE) AT DIFFERENT REPRODUCTIVE STATES

Abstract

The histological and histochemical variation in association with morphological variation in the repro-
ductive system of Archachatina marginata ovum was the target of this investigation. Forty- five snails
were dissected and categorized into 5 different reproductive stages (low mating, high mating, high
egg, gravid and post reproductive). The reproductive tracts which include: hermaphroditic duct, albu-
men gland, spermoviduct and spermatheca and the ovotestis were processed for histological and
histochemical staining. There were some variations in the architecture of the reproductive organs be-
tween the active (high mating, high egg and gravid) and non active stages (low mating and post repro-
ductive) states. The active states were generally associated with colloidal or granular secretions. Gly-
cogen and alkaline phosphatase activities were associated together throughout the epithelium of the
reproductive system of A. marginata ovum and they were more strongly indicated in tissues that are
intimately connected to the growth and development of gametes. It was concluded that morphological
variation in the secreting glands of the reproductive system of A. marginata ovum is closely associated
with changes in the functional secretory activities of the glands.