Studies on the Connective Tissue of the Snake Xenodon merremii (Wagler, 1824)

Abstract

The cells, fibers and ground substance of the connective tissue of the snake Xenodon merremii were studied by morphological and histochemical methods. The main results obtained were: 1. Xenodon has macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and fibroblasts comparable to these cells in mammals. 2. No mast cells were found in this species while a characteristic granular acidophilic cell was described. 3. In the mesentery, the collagen appears less polymerized than in mammals. Thus, no collagen fibers were observed while fibrils and microfibrils were abundant. 4. Smooth muscle cells appear frequently in the mesentery. 5. In this same structure patches of ciliated cells and cells analogous to the lung septal cells appear substituting the mesothelial covering. © 1972, International Society of Histology and Cytology. All rights reserved. © 1972, International Society of Histology and Cytology. All rights reserved.