Localisation cytologique du cuivre et de quelques autres métaux dans la glande digestive de la seiche, Sepia officinalis L (Mollusque Céphalopode)

The cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis L., liver was investigated by histochemical and microanalytical methods. The greater part of the accumulated Cu is concentrated in spherulae which are elaborated by the basal cells. Cu is associated with both Ag and Zn. Fe is also found but the digestive cells are the most important site of Fe storage. Our data show that the spherulae are made of metallothionein-like proteins. The occurrence of these metal-binding proteins has ecological effects. The metals are easily assimilable and can be transferred to higher levels of the food chain.