Transitional epithelium of urinary tract in normal and dehydrated rats

Summary This report is a light microscopic histochemical and fine structural study of transitional epithelium of the urinary tract of normal and dehydrated rats. Four types of cells were recognized: basal, intermediate, squamous or luminal and bundle cells. The transitional epithelium of normal rat ureter and bladder shows distinct cytoplasmic staining of the squamous cells layer by PAS. The luminal free border stains more intensely with PAS. With the electron microscope, abundant cytoplasmic tonofilaments, free ribosomes and the characteristic thick-walled fusiform and round vesicles are observed, which were in greater number in the squamous cells. Lysosomes are identified with PAS, and Toluidine Blue 0, by their content of acid phosphatase and non-specific carboxylic esterase, and by their ultrastructural appearance. The bundle cell (Hicks, 1965) is characterized by histochemical technics. These cells form about 2.5% of the total cell population of normal transitional epithelium. The bundle cell contains basophilic metachromatic granules, which indicates the presence of a weakly acid mucosubstance. It is suggested that bundle cell granules are released in the intercellular spaces of transitional epithelium and that the mucosubstance may regulate flow of ions and metabolites in the epithelial intercellular channels.Several ultrastructural changes occur in the transitional epithelium of dehydrated rats: marked increase in number of thick-walled vesicles, development of polysomes, relative increase of cytoplasmic filaments and greater number of enlarged lysosomes. Bundle cells decrease in number. These ultrastructural changes promptly regressed by allowing the animal to drink water.It is suggested that the rate of formation of the characteristic vesicles of transitional epithelium, a function of membrane synthesis, may be under the control of the antidiuretic hormone.This investigation was supported in part by the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina, through a travel grant to Dr. Monis, who would like to thank Dr. E. de Robertis for the use of the electron microscope facilities of the Instituto de Anatomía General y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires.     

On the glycocalyx,the external coat of the plasma membrane,of some secretory cells

Summary The free surface of epithelial cells of secretory organs (human placenta, lactating mammary gland of the rat, choroid plexus of man and rat) and of the accessory organs of the genital tract of the male rat is characterized by a plasmalemmal differentiation named glycocalyx or surface mucous coat. This structure is built up by filamentous or globular substructures.Two main ultrastructural types of the glyeocalyx were observed: 1) The filamentous type such as in the rat epididymis, which resembles the cat intestinal glyeocalyx (Ito, 1965) and that one of human transitional epithelium (Monis and Zambrano, 1968), and 2) The globular type, as observed in the lumen of the lactating mammary gland of the rat.Sialic acid was demonstrated histochemically in the luminal glyeocalyx of all organs studied. In addition, the glyeocalyx of acinar cells of the lactating mammary gland contains sulfate and phosphate groups which were identified by histochemical technics, using enzymatic digestion procedures, suggesting the chemical heterogeneity of this glyeocalyx.Present investigations follow the working hypothesis that the complex carbohydrates of glycocalyces become part of the product of activity of secreting cells.We thank Mr. Luis Iwakawa, Miss Silvia Falcón, Miss Elsa M. Orgnero for technical help, Miss Graciela Aliaga for secretarial assistance. Photography by Mr. H. Magnani. Dr. Hugo F. Carrer cooperated in the initial stages of this investigation.The authors acknowledge the use of the electron microscope of the Department of Pathology, Córdoba University Medical School, for which they thank Prof. E. Mosquera and Dr. E. Hliba. Dr. Hliba photographed picture number 4.     

Ultrastructure et histochimie de la cuticule pharyngienne chez Eulalia viridis Müller, (Annélide Polychète Errante,Phyllodocidae)

Resumé L'épithélium pharyngien d'Eulalia viridis (Müller), recouvert d'une épaisse cuticule, comporte deux catégories de cellules glandulaires: les cellules séreuses sécrètent des proferments protéolytiques qui sont peut-etre activés à l'extérieur de la cuticule par la sécrétion acide des cellules en forme de flûtes. Le processus digestif a été suivi par des expériences d'alimentation contrôlée, vérifiées en microscopie optique et électronique. La cuticule pharyngienne est constituée de deux zones principales: la cuticule proprement dite, formée de fibres de collagène dirigées dans deux directions perpendiculaires l'une à l'autre et traversée par des microvillosités épithéliales; l'épicuticule constituée par les extrémités renflées des microvillosités épithéliales recouvertes d'un revêtement filamenteux à mucopolysaccharides acides non sulfatés comparable à un glycocalyx.

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Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the pharyngeal cuticle of Eulalia viridis (Müller) (Polychaeta Errantia, Phyllodocidae) and its relationships with the subjacent epithelium in the digestive cycle

Summary The pharyngeal epithelium of Eulalia viridis (Müller) is covered with a thick cuticle and is built up by two types of glandular cells: 1) serous cells secreting inactive proteolytique enzymes which are perhaps activated, on the outside of the cuticle by the acid secretion of the 2) fluteshaped cells. The digestive process was followed by controlled feeding experiments and investigated with the light- and electron-microscope. The pharyngeal cuticle consists of two main zones. The cuticle proper is formed by collagenous fibers — orientated in two orthogonal directions — which are perforated by epithelial microvilli. The epicuticle is formed by the tips of the microvilli covered by an acid mucous filamentous coat which can be compared to a glycocalyx.

     

Ultrastructural studies of normal skin and epidermal papillomas of the flathead sole,Hippoglossoides elassodon

Summary Epidermal cells of normal fin web and of the epidermal papilloma of the flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon, were compared by light and electron microscopy. The predominant cells of normal epidermis are squamous and are characterized by complex microvillous interdigitations between adjacent cells, numerous desmosome-like structures, terminal bars, prominent cytoplasmic filaments, and blunt, broad-based microvilli on the outer (free) surfaces of the superficial cells. The less numerous mucous cells of normal epidermis possess abundant ergastoplasm and mucus-filled vacuoles, but lack desmosome-like structures and cytoplasmic filaments.In contrast, in the epidermal papilloma, mucous cells are absent; and the tumor cells are without microvilli, desmosome-like structures, cytoplasmic filaments, and conspicuous ergastoplasm. The papilloma cells are in addition characterized by certain features not seen in normal epidermis, including prominent nuclear pores, very large nucleoli, nuclear dense bodies, vesicular mitochondria with few cristae and dense internal granules, and three types of distinctive cytoplasmic particles of possible viral nature.This investigation was supported by Public Health Service research grant CA 08158 from the National Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society Institutional Grant No. IN-53 E.We are indebted to Miss Mary Bens for her indispensable technical assistance.     

The cytoskeletal architecture of interdigitated microvilli in the photoreceptors of some nocturnal spiders

Summary The photoreceptor microvilli of some nocturnal spiders (Isopeda andOlios in theSparassidae, andClubiona in theClubionidae) are wide (80–140 nm), and microvilli from adjacent receptors are interdigitated. Because microvillar diameters are relatively large in relation to the thicknesses of thin sections, it is possible to examine cytoskeletal structures closely associated with the microvillar plasmalemmae directly.Retinae were treated with a specific inhibitor of cysteine proteases before primary fixation for electron microscopy in a Ca²⁺-chelating medium. Cytoskeletal components were stabilized with tannic acid. A variety of microvillar profiles was obtained, consistent with an assumption that they represent imperfect preservation of anin vivo plasmalemmal undercoat, inferred to consist of longitudinally-disposed microfilaments, presumptively bonded to the microvillar plasmalemma. The microvillar lumen is inferred to be empty of cytoskeletal components in life.This model is discussed in terms of 1. the cytoskeletal organisation of microvilli of the primitive photoreceptors of a leech (Blest et al. 1983), where the arrangement of microfilaments resembles that in the vertebrate intestinal brush-border; 2. the large complement of membrane-associated oligomeric actin in rhabdoms of crayfish, where identifiable microfilaments cannot be resolved within microvilli by transmission electron microscopy (de Couet et al. 1984), and a single visualizable axial filament of uncertain composition is linked to the plasmalemma by side-arms.     

II. Ultrastructure of the type B sense organ of the specific lateral line system of Gymnarchus niloticus

Summary The type B cutaneous receptor represents one of the three kinds of specific organs of the lateral line system of Gymnarchus niloticus (Szabo and Barets, 1963). Electron microscopic observations reveal that the elementary unit (Fig. 18) of the type B organ consists of a well organized assembly of different epithelial elements grouped around each sensory cell. Several such units compose a type B organ innervated by a single myelinated nerve fiber.The cytoplasm of the sensory cell is characterised by a deep invagination lined by long and densely packed microvilli covered by a jelly-like substance. This jelly substance of allongated stylet form is situated in an intraepidermal cavity, overlaid by vacuolised epithelial cells oriented perpendicularly toward the external epidermal surface.Certain morphological characteristics of the organ B allows the conclusion that this organ is one of the possible electroreceptors of the Gymnarchus niloticus.This work was supported by grant No. 659535 of the Direction de Recherches et Moyens d'Essais (D.R.M.E.) to Dr. Szabo.This work was carried out on the electronmicroscope of the Service de Microscopie Electronique du Laboratoire de Médecine Experimentale (RCA) et du Laboratoire d'Histologie Normale et Pathologique du Système Nerveux (Siemens).With the technical assistance of Miss L. Seguin and Mr. C. Pennarun.     

Über das Osphradium der prosobranchen SchneckenBuccinum undatum L. undNeptunea antiqua (L.)

Zusammenfassung Die komplizierten, bipektinaten Osphradien der NeogastropodenBuccinum undatum undNeptunea antiqua sind durch folgende Zelltypen gekennzeichnet: Die hochprismatischen Stützzellen stellen den Hauptteil des mehrreihigen Osphradialepithels und sind durch ein reich ausgebildetes Villussystem sowie zahlreiche Pigmentgranula charakterisiert. Bisweilen tragen sie Zilien. Mindestens zwei Schleimzelltypen lassen sich unterscheiden. Den verschiedenen Sinneszelltypen lassen sich zwei Funktionen zuordnen: der Chemorezeption und dem Tastsinn. Die Funktion eines weiteren Typs mit stark ausgebildetem glattem endoplasmatischem Reticulum bleibt unbekannt.

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The osphradium of the prosobranch gastropods Buccinum undatum L. and Neptunea antiqua (L.)

Summary The complicated, bipectinate osphradia of the NeogastropodsBuccinum undatum andNeptunea antiqua are characterized by the following cell types: The columnar supporting cells of the pseudostratified epithelium form the bulk of the epithelial cells and exhibit a profusely developed system of microvilli and an abundance of pigment granules. Occasionaly they are ciliated. At least two types of mucous cells can be distinguished. The different types of sensory cells can be associated with two functions: chemoreception and touch appreciation. An additional sensory cell type with a well developed system of smooth endoplasmic reticulum cannot be related to any particular function.

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Die Untersuchungen wurden mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft durchgeführt.

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Herrn Prof. Dr.A. Kaestner (München) danken wir für Literaturhinweise.

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Herrn Prof. Dr.W. Bargmann danke ich für einen Arbeitsplatz im elektronenmikroskopischen Laboratorium des Anatomischen Instituts Kiel.     

The fine structure of sensory receptor processes in the auricular epithelium of the planarian,Dugesia tigrina

Summary The marginal epithelium of the lateral auricles of the planarian, Dugesia tigrina, includes a cell type with surface cilia and microvilli, a basal nucleus, and dense cytoplasm containing secretory vacuoles, Golgi elements, mitochondria and ribosomes. Through channels within the epithelial cytoplasm, cellular processes, interpreted as extensions of neurosensory receptor cells located in the subepidermis, project to the surface. The receptor processes, containing microtubules, mitochondria, vesicles and an agranular tubular reticulum, project beyond the epithelial cell surface; one or two cilia each emerge from a basal body in the apex of the projection. Close to the point of emergence to the epithelial surface, each cylindrical receptor process is surrounded by a collar-like septate junction between adjacent plasma membranes. The cilia of the projections differ from those of the epithelial cells in diameter, density of matrix and in the banding patterns of the rootlets. A few projections appear with the apex and basal body retracted below the epithelial surface. The possible function of these ciliated processes in sensory reception is discussed.This work was supported by Grant No. SO 1 FR 5369 from the U.S. Public Health Service to the University of Illinois at the Medical Center.I thank Dr. J. P. Marbarger, Director of the Research Resources Laboratory, for use of the electron microscope facilities, Miss Irena Kairys for technical help, Miss Marie Jaeger for assistance with photography, and Mr. Robert Parshall for the drawing.To Professor Arthur Wagg Pollister, I respectfully dedicate this article on the occasion of his retirement from Columbia University.     

The fine structure of the olfactory mucosa and nerve in the teleost Carassius carassius L.

Summary Morphological studies on teleost olfactory mucosa confirm the findings of previous authors regarding the general arrangement of conventional cell types, viz. receptor, sustentacular, mucous and basal, but teleosts show certain distinct differences. The receptor cells have the general mammalian bipolar shape but their peripheral dendrite does not project beyond the epithelial surface. In addition to numerous typical cilia, an exceptional ciliary formation was observed in which the filaments, instead of forming individual cilia, are grouped together in clusters and are enveloped in a single limiting membrane.At the junction between the finger-like process and the mucosal fold myelinated nerve fibres are observed within the subepithelial stroma.Within the postero-medial zone of the mucosa is a conspicuous well-differentiated new cell type. A thick rim of electron-dense cytoplasm, bounded by an outer trilaminar membrane, encloses prominent foliate (leaf-like) organelles, a basal nucleus, numerous mitochondria and vacuolar spaces. These foliaceous cells communicate with the external environment through a small stoma, their close association with epithelial components suggesting a possible secretory or absorptive function. Their intricate morphology, however, suggests that they may be receptors, but their role and neural connections still require definition.Supported by Grant 5 RO 5 TWOO 154-02 from the National Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service.The authors are indebted to Dr. A. S. Wilson for his helpful criticism and gratefully acknowledge the photographic technical assistance of Mr. J. Simmons and Mr. S. Frank.     

Characterization of epithelial cell cultures derived from human tracheal glands

Summary Cultures of normal human tracheal gland epithelial cells that exhibit functional differentiation have been propagated in serum-free medium supplemented with insulin (5 μg/ml), epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), hydrocortisone (0.5 μg/ml), and bovine pituitary extract (25 μg/ml). The cells retain many characteristics of epithelial cells including microvilli on cell surfaces, desmosomes between cells, and tonofilaments in the cytoplasm. In addition, they exhibit keratin-positive titers and react positively with Peanut agglutinin, which is specific for the disaccharide β-d-galactose-(l→ 3)N-acetyld-galactosamine, a major component of mucin glycoprotein. The cells also exhibit normal Cl⁻ channel activity which was enhanced by the cAMP agonist Forskolin. The major component of the cellular secretion was hyaluronic acid; approximately 10% of the void volume material was resistant to hyaluronidase and may contain material similar to mucin glycoprotein. Some of the cell cultures have been maintained in serum-free conditions for 6 to 7 passages. This model will be important to study regulation of ion-channel activities and mucous glycoprotein secretion and to compare such regulations with the tracheal mucosal epithelial cells already established. This research was supported by USPHS grants HL 41979 and HL 33142 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes.     

Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in Diurodrilus subterraneus (Polychaeta,Diurodrilidae)

Spermiogenesis in the polychaete species Diurodrilus subterraneus may be divided into six stages. These stages, as well as the ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoa, are described based on TEM studies. The spermatozoa are unusual in having a very large acrosome followed by a region containing the nucleus and several ovoid mitochondria. A secondary acrosomal membrane forms a manchette around the nucleus and mitochondria. In this region, the plasma membrane is modified, with many small, mushroom-shaped cytoplasmic processes, each including filaments. The flagellum may be divided into three sequential regions; the longest, middle one is covered by a helically arranged mucous coat. Spermatozoa of the type described here are unknown among polychaetes but show certain superficial resemblances to those in oligochaetes. The resemblance of the mushroom-shaped bodies to spermatozoal microvilli in certain gnathostomulids is discussed. The phylogenetic relationships of Diurodrilidae are considered on the basis of this new information.     

Histology and ultrastructure of the olfactory organ of the freshwater pulmonate Helisoma trivolvis

Summary The olfactory organ of Helisoma trivolvis is located on the surface of the body at the base of the cephalic tentacles. An evagination of skin, the olfactory plica, at the base of the tentacle extends over the olfactory organ dorsally. The epithelium of the olfactory organs contains unspecialized epithelial cells, ciliated epithelial cells, basal cells, mucous secretory cells, and sensory dendrites. The surface of the epithelium has a complex brush border of thick plasmatic processes, which branch to form several terminal microvillar twigs. Long slender cytoplasmic processes form a dense spongy layer among the plasmatic processes beneath the level of the terminal twigs. Bipolar primary sensory neurons clustered beneath the epithelium of the olfactory organ send dendrites through the epithelium to the free surface. Some sensory endings have a few short cilia, but most bear only microvilli. Cilia of sensory endings and epithelial cells extend beyond the brush border of the epithelium. Small axons arise from the perikarya of the sensory neurons and enter a branch of the olfactory nerve. HRP tracing indicates that the axons pass to the cerebral ganglion without interruption. Histochemical tests indicate that the sensory neurons are neither aminergic nor cholinergic.     

Cilia and other surface structures of the trochophore of Harmothoë imbricata (Polychaeta)

Summary Ciliary aggregations occur as the prototroch, neurotroch, apical system and as tufts associated with the eyes and superficial glands. The major collection of cilia is the locomotory organ or prototroch that runs around the equatorial plane of the larva. This band is composed of four contiguous rows of cells, the two medial rows bearing the long locomotory cilia. The cilia occur in clumps, with several clumps arising from each prototroch cell while both the main cells contribute to each clump. The central filaments of these cilia are orientated at right angles to the long axis of the clump, the direction of ciliary beat being at right angles to the progression of the metachronal wave along the prototroch. The neurotroch, extending from the mouth to the posterior pole of the larva, beats away from the mouth. The rate of beating is rapid, and the cilia are short. The apical area of the larva is bordered by five single lines of compound cilia that surround a few stiff cilia. All the cilia beat occasionally. A further line of cilia, the akrotroch, exists at a position halfway between the apical area and the prototroch on the same side as the mouth. These cilia beat towards the prototroch. Some of these cilia are associated with sets of glandular openings. The fine structure of the glands and cuticle is described. The glands are small mucous glands that open via a projecting pore which is encircled by rings of microvilli. They often occur in groups of four or in pairs. The cuticle is similar to that described previously for adult polychaetes.This work was started under a Science Research Council (U.K.) grant (B/SR/1871) for a Research Assistantship to Dr. M. S. Laverack and grateful acknowledgement is made for this. We would like to thank Dr. A. Boyde for all his advice and use of apparatus. The scanning electron microscope used in this study was provided by a Science Research Council (U. K.) grant to Dr. Boyde. We would like to thank Mrs. J. Parkes for photographic assistance.     

Relationship of saccular ultrastructure to otolith growth in the teleost Oreochromis niloticus

The sacculus of Oreochromis niloticus is anatomically separated from the utriculus and semicircular canals. The saccular wall is composed of the sensory epithelium, transitional epithelia, and squamous epithelium. Cellular granules are abundant in the sensory and transitional epithelia but scarce in the squamous epithelium. Over the dorsal side of the dorsal transitional epithelium there exists an oval patch of cells with distinctive microvilli. New finding is a shallow groove which extends from the anterior end of the sensory epithelium approximately halfway down along the ventral perimacular transitional epithelium. Small vesicles, which appear “empty” under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), are aggregated in the posterior region of the groove. These small vesicles are also present in both the sensory and transitional epithelia. A second kind of vesicle is comparatively large and appears filled with stainable contents. These vesicles are restricted to the sensory region. Both kinds of vesicles appear to be involved in apical secretion and possibly provide the otolithic membrane with fibers. The otolithic membrane is composed of a gelatinuous layer and subcupular meshwork. The meshwork appears to contribute to the formation of the otolith. The small empty vesicles appear to originate in sensory and transitional epithelial cells and may form the subcupular meshwork. The larger filled vesicles are derived predominantly from sensory cells in the sensory epithelium and appear to contribute to the gelatinuous layer of otoliths. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Beobachtungen über die Feinstruktur der Haut und des äußeren Atrialepithels vonBranchiostoma lanceolatum Pall.

Zusammenfassung Der Aufbau der Haut und des ventralen Atrialepithels des Lanzettfischchens (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) wurde elektronenmikroskopisch untersucht. Die Zellen der einschichtigen Epidermis, die nicht durch Desmosomen untereinander verbunden sind, tragen an ihrer Oberfläche zahlreiche, durch eine Innenstruktur verstärkte Mikrovilli, über denen eine feine massendichte Schicht von Mucopolysacchariden liegt. Eine Kutikula ist nicht ausgebildet. In die Oberfläche der Epidermiszellen sind besondere urnenförmige, mit Muzinen gefüllte Gebilde eingesenkt. Die gesamte Zellperipherie ist mit Tonofilamentbündeln gefüllt, die an der Zellbasis ein besonderes Maschenwerk aufbauen, das der basalen gestreiften ZoneJosephs (1900) entspricht. In dem gut entwickeltem Golgiapparat werden die Mucopolysaccharide, die wahrscheinlich besonders reich an Karbohydraten sind, vermutlich nicht nur konzentriert und verpackt, sondern auch synthetisiert, da ein granuläres Retikulum fehlt. Die Pigmentzellen der Epidermis besitzen ein Zilium.Die mächtige, regelmäßig aufgebaute Kollagenfaserschicht der Dermis wird von Fibroblasten gebildet, in deren Zytoplasma feine Fibrillen angetroffen werden, vermutlich Vorstufen der Kollagenfasern.Unter den ventralen Plattenepithelzellen des Atriums und unter der Epidermis wurden Gruppen von Nervenendigungen gefunden, die synaptische Bläschen enthalten. Es handelt sich wahrscheinlich um Mechanorezeptoren.

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Observations on the fine structure of the skin and the external atrial epithelium of the lancelet (Branchiostoma lanceolatumPall.)

Summary The organisation of the skin and the ventral atrial epithelium of the lancelet was investigated with the electron microscope. The cuboid or columnar epithelial cells of the epidermis are not connected by desmosomes, which, however, are possibly substituted by especially constructed lateral interdigitations. The apical cellular surface is studded with microvilli, the fine structure of which suggests that they have considerable structural stability. The microvilli are covered by an electrondense layer of mucopolysaccharides. There is no cuticle on top of the epidermal cells, as described by many older light microscopists. Lowered into the surface are several urn-like depressions filled with mucins. The whole cellular periphery is densely packed with bundles of tonofilaments, forming a peculiar filamentous system at the base of the cells, which corresponds to the basal striated zone ofJoseph (1900). As a granular reticulum is lacking, it is suggested that in the well developed golgi apparatus the secretory product (mucins, presumably rich in carbohydrates) is not only concentrated for package, but also synthetized. The pigment cells of the epidermis carry a cilium.The huge stratum of collagen fibres consists of regularly ordered layers. It is produced by fibroblasts in whose cytoplasm precursors of the collagen fibres can be found.Under the ventral squamous epithelium of the atrium and the epidermal cells groups of nerve terminals, containing synaptic vesicles, are interspersed, which presumably represent mechanoreceptors.

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Herrn Prof. Dr.A. Remane zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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Mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Formation of Basal Bodies in Ciliary Epithelium of Molluscs Buccinum undatum L. and Lymnaea stagnalis L.

Electron microscopic studies of the leg ciliary epithelium was carried out in two mollusks. In the epithelium of the leg of adult animals, the centrioles were mostly formed de novo with participation of deuterosomes during the formation of basal bodies. Transformation of the centriolar cylinder in a mature basal body is accompanied by the cylinder elongation and appearance of pericentriolar structures, such as rootlet system, basal legs, and basal plate. Centriolegenesis proceeds in both ciliate and nonciliate (with microvilli) cells of the epithelium. It has been proposed that the cell with microvilli represent a transitional stage in differentiation of the ciliary cells.     

Cytochemical features of the digestive tract mucosa of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

Membranous organelles, acid glycoconjugates and lipids were characterized in the digestive tract mucosa of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos by cytochemistry techniques. Two types of mucous‐secreting cells were observed in the digestive tract epithelium: goblet cells in the oesophagus and intestine and epithelial cells in the stomach. These cells had a Golgi apparatus more developed than the other cell types. The cytochemical analysis revealed that secretory granules are reactive to acid glycoconjugates, varying in reaction intensity according to the region of the digestive tract. Acid glycoconjugate reactions were also observed in oesophageal epithelial cell microridges and in enterocyte microvilli. In the digestive tract, acid glycoconjugates act to protect the epithelial surface, increasing mucous viscosity, which facilitates the passage of food, prevents the binding of parasites and facilitates their removal. Through lipid staining, a coated membrane was observed around each secretory granule of the oesophageal and intestinal goblet cells, while gastric epithelial cells granules were fully reactive. Oxynticopeptic cells of the gastric glands showed lipid droplets in the cytoplasm and also in the mitochondrial matrix, which act as an energy reserve for these cells that have a high energy demand. Enterocytes showed a well‐developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, especially in the apical region of the cell, being related to absorption and resynthesis of lipids.     

Ultrastructure of surface epithelial cells of the normal human rectum

Luminal surface epithelial cells, excluding a few endocrine cells of the normal human rectum, were studied electron microscopically and 5 types of cells were recognized with special reference to some structure containing mucous substances. Principal-1 cells showing few tiny vesicles and Principal-2 cells containing some tiny vesicles seemed to belong to the absorptive cell group. Vesicle cells having numerous tiny vesicles, and Columnar mucous cells accompanied by numerous tiny vesicles and some round or oval mucous vacuoles, seemed to be labelled as of the secretory cell group. The common features of the epithelial columnar cells, except for the Goblet cell, were columnar shape, microvilli whose length and density had considerable variation, glycocalyceal bodies around the microvilli, and thick surface coat. Goblet cells were characterized by a goblet shape which was expanded by numerous mucous droplets. It is of special interest that 4 different types of columnar epithelial cells are recognized on the luminal surface of the normal human rectum, and that Vesicle cells and Columnar mucous cells are first observed on the luminal surface of the large intestine. Similar epithelial cells have only been reported in the crypt of the large intestine and not on the luminal surface.     

Ultrastructural evidence for multiple mucous domains in frog olfactory epithelium

Summary This study showed that the olfactory mucus is a highly structured extracellular matrix. Several olfactory epithelial glycoconjugates in the frog Rana pipiens were localized ultrastructurally using rapid-freeze, freeze-substitution and post-embedding (Lowicryl K11M) immunocytochemistry. Two of these conjugates were obtained from membrane preparations of olfactory cilia, the glycoproteins gp95 and olfactomedin. The other conjugates have a carbohydrate group which in the olfactory bulb appears to be mostly on neural cell-adhesion molecules (N-CAMs); in the olfactory epithelium this carbohydrate is present on more molecules. Localization of the latter conjugates was determined with monoclonal antibodies 9-OE and 5-OE. Ultrastructurally all antigens localized in secretory granules of apical regions of frog olfactory supporting cells and in the mucus overlying the epithelial surface, where they all had different, but partly overlapping, distributions. Monoclonal antibody 18.1, to gp95, labeled the mucus throughout, whereas poly- and monoclonal anti-olfactomedin labeled a deep mucous layer surrounding dendritic endings, proximal parts of cilia, and supporting cell microvilli. Labeling was absent in the superficial mucous layer, which contained the distal parts of the olfactory cilia. Monoclonal antibody 9-OE labeled rather distinct areas of mucus. These areas sometimes surrounded dendritic endings and olfactory cilia. Monoclonal antibody 5-OE labeled membranes of dendritic endings and cilia, and their glycocalyces, and also dendritic membranes.     

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MICROVILLI IN THE EPITHELIUM OF SMALL AND LARGE INTESTINE OF MICE

A comparative analysis of the fine structure of the microvilli on jejunal and colonic epithelial cells of the mouse intestine has been made. The microvilli in these two locations demonstrate a remarkably similar fine structure with respect to the thickness of the plasma membrane, the extent of the filament-free zone, and the characteristics of the microfilaments situated within the microvillous core. Some of the core microfilaments appear to continue across the plasma membrane limiting the tip of the microvillus. The main difference between the microvilli of small intestine and colon is in the extent and organization of the surface coat. In the small intestine, in addition to the commonly observed thin surface "fuzz," occasional areas of the jejunal villus show a more conspicuous surface coat covering the tips of the microvilli. Evidence has been put forward which indicates that the surface coat is an integral part of the epithelial cells. In contrast to the jejunal epithelium, the colonic epithelium is endowed with a thicker surface coat. Variations in the organization of the surface coat at different levels of the colonic crypts have also been noted. The functional significance of these variations in the surface coat is discussed.