Histochemical analysis of epidermal cells and mucous cells in the skin of Torpedo ocellata Rafinesque.

The histochemical analysis carried out on the mucus of the epidermis of Torpedo ocellata RAF. showed that it is not only produced in considerable quantities by the mucous cells but is also elaborated by the epidermal cells of the skin. The mucus elaborated by the mucous cells is rich in carboxyl and phosphate containing MPS and in sialic acid containing glycoproteins. It also contains a neutral mucopolysaccharide fraction relatable to glycogen and a considerable quantity of chondroitinsulfates B. Epidermal cells produce a secretion with the same histochemical characteristics as the mucus elaborated by the mucous cells and contain mucopolysaccharide-protein complexes. Their secretory activity is also discussed in relation to their functionality.