Melanin storing cells in anuran gut

1. The location, distribution and morphological characteristics of the pigment cells found in the frog gut are described. 2. The pigment cells show long and large protoplasmic projections. At the ultrastructural level, the nucleus is elongated with prominent nucleolus and dense marginal chromatin. The cytoplasm is full with pigment granules (2500-7500 A) and typical premelanosome structures have been observed. 3. The pigment cells number is higher in the esophagus and large intestine than in the stomach or small intestine and the pigment cells are always located in close contact with blood vessels and nervous structures (ganglia and fibres). 4. We have observed that the pigment content depends upon seasonal variations, increasing during the cold months. 5. We have demonstrated by histological methods that the cells pigment content is melanin. 6. According to their morphological and tinctorial characteristics the anuran gut melanin storing cells are similar to the skin epidermal melanocytes.