CYTOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION OF COPPER AND OTHER METALS IN THE DIGESTIVE-GLAND OF THE CUTTLEFISH, SEPIA-OFFICINALIS-L (MOLLUSCA, CEPHALOFODA)

The cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis L., liver was investigated by histoc hemical and microanalytical methods. The greater part of the accumulat ed Cu is concentrated in spherulae which are elaborated by the basal c ells. Cu is associated with both Ag and Zn. Fe is also found but the d igestive cells are the most important site of Fe storage. Our data sho w that the spherulae are made of metallothionein-like proteins. The oc currence of these metal-binding proteins has ecological effects. The m etals are easily assimilable and can be transferred to higher levels o f the food chain.