An investigation of ECM secreting structures in the gastrula of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus

Abstract

To highlight the diversity of extracellular embryonic matrix (ECM) secreting structures in the gastrulae of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus the localization of antibody generated to hyaline layer, was studied. It was shown that hyaline layer epitope takes place in the cortical granules. Moreover, this material was revealed in secretory vacuoles and secretory vesicles which are situated in the apical parts of ectoderm cells. Besides, the same molecules were found in the yolk granules having loosened content. It seems likely that in P. ochraceus the ECM is secreted by four types of secretory structures.