Pharynx-formation in regeneration of the freshwater planarian Phagocata vivida

Some histological investigations have revealed that regenerated pharynx including its inner epithelium are derived from gastrodermal cells (Teshirogi 1962, Asai 1991 and others). This time, pharynx-formation was observed using monoclonal antibody (mAb) 12B-D which react specifically to gastrodermal phagocytic cells of Phagocata vivida , immuno histochemically. The antigen of mAb was recognized in the pharyngeal inner epithelium of the basal region of differentiating pharynx. As a conclusion, it was suggested that the new pharyngeal inner epithelial cells originate from old gastrodermal cells. We have also obtained a mAb which recognize the materials existing abundantly in the pharynx.