Histochemical studies of mucosubstances in the epidermis of a nonscaly teleost Mystus (Mystus) vittatus Bl. (Pisces-Bagridae).

The epidermis of Mystus (Mystus) vittatus contains two well differentiated mucous cells which secrete different mucosubstances. The goblet cells contain periodate reactive neutral mucosubstances, glycogen, testicular hyaluronidase resistant sulphated mucosubstances, and sialic acid rich glycoproteins. The clavate cells contain small amounts of neutral and sulphated mucosubstances and no glycoproteins. The difference in the histochemical nature of the two types of mucous cells is discussed in relation to their physiological activities.