SULFATIDES AND SOME HISTOCHEMICAL CORRELATIONS OF LACRIMAL GLANDS INVOLVED IN SALT SECRETION IN CHELONIA

High concentrations of sulfolipids (4 fractions having different hexose/sulfate ratio), intense enzyme activity (ATPase, oxoreductases) and evidence of mucins (staining with periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue) in intercellular spaces were found in the lachrymal glands of Caretta caretta and Malaclemys terrapin adapted to sea water. The supranuclear region of the gland cells in M. terrapin was also filled with mucin granules. These glands apparently have a function in salt secretion in both species and are also consistent with a function of mucous secretion exclusively in M. terrapin. Limited signs of hypotrophy are not accompanied by changes in concentrations of sulfolipids in M. terrapin adapted to fresh water; only the reactions for enzyme activities are less intense. The mucous secretion is not affected, but in correlation with changes in salt secretion, the change in ATPase activity is conspicuous. The correlations between the different components of the gland and salt secretion are compared with salt glands of birds and elasmobranchs.