Capture de macromolécules par les cellules péricardiques et rénales de la moule, Mytilus edulis L.

The uptake of particles (colloidal gold, Thorotrast, ferritin) and hemoprotein tracers (catalase, horseradish peroxidase, microperoxidase) by pericardial glands and kidney was studied in Mytilus edulis L. Molecules smaller than 10 nm are taken up rapidly in large amounts by the pericardial cells from blood and pericardial fluid. These observations suggest that pericardial glands may be involved in ultrafiltration and reabsorption. Molecules of 6 nm are taken up only by the apex of the nephrocytes and their uptake is restricted.