Changes in the fine structure of the endocrine dorsal body cells of Helisoma duryi (mollusca) induced by mating.

The morphology and the organization of the endocrine dorsal bodies (DB) of non-reproducing virgin and castrated, and reproducing mated Helisoma duryi have been examined using serial sectioning. The DB cells occur in two masses on the mid-dorsal side of the cerebral commissure, each of which has a cortical zone containing the cell bodies and a medulla where cell processes terminate. The cell bodies measure 10-15 μm in diameter, and are arranged in lobules of 6-12 cells.