In vitro effect of the gonad of Helix aspersa (Mollusca) on galactogen synthesis in the albumen gland of either mated or virgin snails.

The gonad of Helix aspersa contains a factor which can stimulate in a dose-dependent manner galactogen synthesis in albumen gland explants cultured in vitro. The stimulatory activity appears to be greater when the gonad is predominantly male than when it is predominantly female. The albumen gland of virgin snails does not respond in vitro to the gonadal influence. The receptivity of the albumen gland to the galactogen synthesis stimulating effect of the gonad is increased after the first and second mating. It decreases at the third mating in correlation with the increase of the albumen gland maturation index.