In vivo cumulation and discharge of azine, thiazine and xanthene dyes and their effects on the chloragogen cells of Lumbricidae (Oligochaeta).

The in vivo cumulation of neutral red, methylene blue and acriflavine in the body wall, midgut epithelium and chloragosomes of Lumbricus terrestris L. and Octolasium transpadanum Rosa, and the discharge of these dyes by chloragosomes was investigated by spectrophotometry. The chloragosomes cumulated the largest amount of the ingested dyes. Electron microscopy displayed the activation of the chloragogen cells and an increased chloragosome formation on the first days of dye intake. In dye-free environment, the dye content of the chloragosomes decreased rapidly. The above properties of the chloragogen cells indicate the role of these cells in the defence mechanism against the toxic effect of certain cationic xenobiotics ingested via the intestinal tract.