POST AESTIVATION DYNAMICS OF THE MALE AND HERMAPHRODITIC REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS (ARCHACHATINAMARGINATA): HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The male reproductive organs and hermaphrodite ducts of the Giant African Land Snail (Archachatinamarginata) were examined histologically and histochemically at 0, 3 and 6 weeks post aestivation. The transverse section of the tissue of little hermaphrodite duct aestivated for 6 weeks (control) resulted in clear, wide and highly branched lumen lined with ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The post aestivation section at the 3rd week did not differ substantially. At the 6th week post aestivation, the muscular wall took a wavy and more branching appearance. The common hermaphrodite duct revealed a conspicuous intercellular spaces and sparse composition of the cellular components. The lumens were inflated with thick peripheral walls. The post aestivation sections tended toward recovery with much cellular prominence with discernible boundaries. The vas deferens generallyappeared organized with respect to segmentations and arrangement in the control. Adherence of cell mass and granules were typical features of the 6th week aestivated tissue. At arousal, these features diminished with farther dispersed cells and loosed connective tissues. Thepenis displayed multiplied and larger cell mass with clear lumen and increasing peripheral thickness. It can therefore be concluded that tissues of the male and hermaphroditic organs retained their firm conformation for six weeks dormancy period, Ca and lipid droplet regressed considerably. At arousal no substantial rejuvenation was attained 3rd week post aestivation but at the 6th week, adjustment toward reproductive preparation was observed with considerable calcium built up.