Aspects of cell production in mantle tissue of Ciona intestinalis L. (Tunicata, Ascidiacea)

Renewal of cell population is needed in the tunic of ascidians, as the tunic cells are involved in many biological functions. Tunic cells are thought to arrive by migrating across the mantle epithelium into the tunic from the blood lacunae or the mesenchymal space. Electron microscope observations show that the mantle epithelium of Ciona intestinalis shares some proliferative characteristics, releasing cells into the tunic and thus providing an increase renewal of tunical cells in restricted zones of adult animals.