New Insights into the Gametogenesis of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata): Implications for Histopathological Assessment

Abstract

The reproductive system has a fundamental role in population dynamics and several reproduction strategies have been shaped by the environment over time. Many environmental pressures are generated by releasing pollutants, as endocrine disruptors, that can affect the reproductive system of individuals, among them invertebrates. The freshwater snails Biomphalaria spp. are used as biomonitor in several ecotoxicological studies; however, there are few studies about gametogenesis and morphology of reproductive snail cells, which could be used as a new biomarker. In this sense, the current study aims to characterize Biomphalaria glabrata gametogenesis, bringing new histomorphometric parameters for germinative cells. Results showed that the hermaphrodite tissue is formed by several acini with simple pavement epithelium with germinative and somatic cells. Oogenesis was classified into five developmental stages (OI to OV) according to diameter, nucleus area, total area, and follicular cell development, and then classified into previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes. The spermatogenesis was classified into spermatogonia (Spg), spermatocytes (Spc) and spermatids that were subdivided into five stages (Spt I to Spt V) according to cytoplasm losing, and nucleus spiralization along with Sertoli cells development. Thus, the HIGHLIGHTS  The gametogenesis of Biomphalaria glabrata was described. Oogenesis was classified into five developmental stages. New histomorphometric parameters were described for oocytes. Spermatogenesis was classified into seven stages of development. B. glabrata histomorphometric parameters as a tool for environmental and public health researches.2 Rodrigues, C.C.; et al.

Effect of Eucalyptus globulus oil and Ricinus communis methanolic extract as potential natural molluscicides on the reproductive biology and some antioxidant enzymes of the land snail, Theba pisana

“…The histological structures of the hermaphrodite gland of untreated T. pisana snails reported in this study showed different stages of spermatogenesis and oogenesis in addition to highlighting the follicular and germinal layers with their cells. Similar structures were illustrated by Morad (2021) for hermaphrodite gland of Eobania vermiculata snails and Rodrigues et al. (2021) for that of Biomophalaria alexandrina .…”