Morphological observations on haemo-lymphocytes in Oncomelania hupensis (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae)

Information concerning morphological and functional basis of defense cells of oncomelania hupensis (gastropoda: pomatiopsidae),intermediate host of schistosomiasis parasite,schistosoma japonicum,observed through optical microscopy (light and fluorescence); scanning electron microscopy (sem); and transmission electron microscopy (tem) is presented. the results showed that nucleus of o. hupensis haemolymphocytes were round or oval in shape with rough surface,and contained very high density of granules; the nucleus was encircled by cytoplasm possessing pseudopodia. the haemo-lymphocytes of o. hupensis were divided into three sizes groups: large,medium,and small based on the diameter of their nucleus. large haemo-lymphocytes had a diameter range of 8.1-8.6 μm,medium 5.5-6.0 μm,and small 4.2-4.7 μm. the haemo-lymphocytes could possess pseudopodia for adhering to,or embracing sheep red blood cells (srbc),and after incubation,haemo-lymphocytes were surrounded by numerous srbc. the present study provides precise information concerning nuclear size of haemo-lymphocytes of o. hupensis and confirms some previous reports on haemocytes of o. hupensis,thereby opening the door for further research into the structure and function of haemo-lymphocytes in o. hupensis. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.