A study of the anatomy, histology and ultrastructure of the digestive tract of Orthrias angorae Steindachner, 1897

The anatomy, histology and ultrastructure of the digestive tract of Orthrias angorae (Steindachner, 1897) were investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The histological structure consists of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The esophageal mucosa consists of undifferentiated basal epithelial cells, mucous cells and surface epithelial cells. It was observed that the J-shaped stomach had a meshwork of folds in the cardiac region, and longitudinal folds in the fundic and pyloric regions. A single layer of columnar cells, PAS positive only in their apical portions, forms the epithelium. The convoluted tube-shape intestine is lined by simple columnar epithelial cells, which have microvilli at the apical surface. The wall of the esophagus and stomach are thicker than that of the intestine because of the thick muscle layer. There were numerous goblet cells in the intestine. There were numerous gastric glands in the submucosa layer ofthe cardiac stomach, but none were present in the pyloric region of the stomach. There were no pyloric caeca between the stomach and intestine. The enterocytes with microvilli contained rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and rounded bodies, and the gastric cells contained a well-developed Golgi apparatus.     

Histological and ultrastructural study of the digestive tract of rice field eel, Monopterus albus

The histological characteristics of the digestive tract and the ultrastructure of mucosal cells of the stomach and intestine of rice field eel, Monopterus albus, are described to provide a basis for future studies on its digestive physiology. The digestive tract of the rice field eel is a long and coiled tube composed of four layers: mucosa, lamina propria‐submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The pharynx and oesophagus mucosa is lined with a stratified epithelium. The stomach includes the cardiac and pyloric portions and the fundus. Many gastric pits are formed by invaginations of the mucosal layer and tubular gastric glands formed by the columnar cells in the fundus. The intestine is separated from the stomach by a loop valve and divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal intestinal epithelium consists of columnar cells with microvilli towards the lumen and goblet cells. The enterocytes are joined at the apical surface by the junctional complex, including the evident desmosomas. Numerous lysosomes and some vesicles are evident in the upper cytoplasm of the cells, and a moderate amount of endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes are scattered in the supranuclear cytoplasm. The epithelium becomes progressively thicker and the folds containing large numbers of goblet cells are fewer and shorter in the distal portion of the intestine. At the ultrastuctural level, the columnar cells of the tubular gastric glands have numerous clear vacuoles and channels. A moderate amount of pepsinogen granules are present in the stomach. The enterocytes of the intestinal mucosa display a moderate amount of endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes, and long and regular microvilli.     

Structure of the nervous system in the tornaria larva of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Balanoglossus proterogonius</Emphasis> (Hemichordata: Enteropneusta) and its phylogenetic implications

The tornaria larva of hemichordates occupies a central position in phylogenetic discussions on the relationships between Echinodermata, Hemichordata, and Chordata. Dipleurula-type larvae (tornaria and echinoderm larvae) are considered to be primary in the life cycle and thus provide a model for the ancestral animal common to all three taxa (the theory of W. Garstang). If the similarities between tornaria and the larvae in Echinodermata result from homology, their nervous systems should be basically similar as well. The present study utilizes anti-serotonin and FMRFamide antisera together with laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, to describe in detail the nervous system of the tornaria of Balanoglossus proterogonius. Serotonin immunoreactive neurons were found in the apical and esophageal ganglia, and in the stomach epithelium. FMRFamide immunoreactive neurons, probably sensory in nature, were detected in the apical ganglion and in the equatorial region of the stomach epithelium. At the ultrastructural level, the apical organ consists of a columnar epithelium of monociliated cells and includes a pair of symmetrical eyespots. The apical ganglion is located at its base and has a well-developed neuropil. Different types of neurons are described in the apical organ, esophagus, and stomach. Comparison with larvae in Echinodermata shows several significant differences in the way the larval nervous system is organized. This calls into question the homology between tornariae and echinoderm larvae. The possibility of convergence between the two larval types is discussed.     

可口革囊星虫消化道的形态及组织学结构

对可口革囊星虫(Phascolosoma esculenta)消化道各部分结构进行了形态学和组织学观察,表明可口革囊星虫消化道由翻吻、咽、食道、肠、直肠和肛门组成。翻吻收缩性很强;肠道极长,沿纺锤肌螺旋缠绕成肠索。消化道管壁由内向外分为粘膜层、粘膜下层、肌层和外膜。粘膜上皮主要由柱状细胞组成。除肠外,消化道上皮细胞均有发达的纤毛,肠上皮细胞主要具发达的微绒毛;粘膜下层及肌层的发达程度因消化道的部位不同而异。     

The postbranchial digestive tract of the ascidian, Polyandrocarpa misakiensis (Tunicata: Ascidiacea). 2. Stomach

The organization of the stomach in the compound styelid ascidian, Polyandrocarpa misakiensis, is described, and the morphology and cell types of the stomach is discussed from the phylogenetic viewpoint. The stomach is a sac-like organ whose wall is formed into longitudinal folds. The stomach consists of external and internal epithelium. The internal epithelium is simple columnar, except for the bottom of the folds. There are five cell types: absorptive cells, zymogenic cells, endocrine cells, ciliated mucous cells, and undifferentiated cells. The absorptive cells have numerous microvilli. The apical region of these cells is occupied by coated vesicles. The zymogenic cells have a conical outline and a few microvilli on their apical surfaces. There are secretory granules in the apical region of zymogenic cells. The endocrine cells have low cell height and electron-dense granules around the nucleus. Endocrine cells have one or two cilia and a few microvilli on the apical surfaces. The basolateral part of these cells often bulges into the adjoining cells. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that some endocrine cells have serotonin-like immunoreactivity. The ciliated mucous cells are restricted to a single ventral groove. They have numerous microvilli and a few cilia on their apical surfaces. Moderately electron-dense granules are accumulated in the apical part of the ciliated mucous cells. Undifferentiated cells, filled with free ribosomes, form a pseudostratified epithelium in the base of each fold. The nucleus of undifferentiated cells has a prominent nucleolus. The pseudostratified epithelium of the pyloric caecum consists of electron-dense and electron-light cells.     

香鱼消化道及肝脏的形态结构特征

采用解剖及石蜡切片显微技术观察了香鱼消化道及肝脏的组织学结构。香鱼消化道由口咽腔、食道、胃及肠构成。口咽腔大且狭长,其底壁前部有一对粘膜褶,两颌边缘着生宽扁梳状齿,腭骨及舌骨具齿,犁骨无齿;舌由基舌骨突出部分覆盖粘膜构成,舌粘膜上皮为复层扁平上皮,含有较多的杯状细胞和味蕾。食道、胃及肠均由粘膜层、粘膜下层、肌层及外膜构成。食道粘膜层上皮为复层扁平上皮,杯状细胞发达。胃呈V形,由贲门部、胃体部及幽门部组成,胃壁粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,贲门部与胃体部的固有层中有胃腺。肠较短,由前、中、后肠构成,肠壁粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,其游离面具微绒毛;上皮细胞间有杯状细胞。幽门盲囊有350～400条,其组织学结构与肠相同。肝脏单叶,外被浆膜;肝细胞形态不规则,肝小叶界限不明显。     

商城肥鲵消化道的解剖学观察

该文首次报道了商城肥鲵消化道各部分的形态结构、长度及其组织学结构。结果表明,除口腔外,消化道管壁由粘膜层、粘膜下层、肌层和浆膜层构成,消化道各部分的差别主要在粘膜层和肌层食道粘膜为复层柱状上皮,食完纵肌层,胃、肠粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,胃、肠肌层由内环外纵两层平滑肌组成。粘膜上皮的皱褶程度、腺体分布情况、肌层的相对厚度等在消化道各部分也存在差异。     

Ultrastructure of multiciliated collar cells in the pilidium larva of Lineus bilineatus (Nemertini)

Summary The ultrastructure of the apical plate of the free-swimming pilidium larva of Lineus bilineatus (Renier 1804) is described with particular reference to the multiciliated collar cells. In the multiciliary collar cells there are several, up to 12, cilia surrounded by a collar of about 20 microvilli extending from the cells' apical surface. The cilia have the typical 9+2 axoneme arrangement and are equipped with striated caudal rootlets extending from the basal bodies. No accessary centriole or rostral rootlet were observed. Microvilli surrounding the cilia are joined in a cylindrical manner by a mucus-like substance to form a collar. In comparison with many sensory receptor cells built on a collar cell plan the multiciliary collar cells of the pilidium larva apical plate are rather simple and unspecialized. In other pilidium larvae monociliated collar cells are found in the apical plate. The possible function and phylogenetic implications of multiciliated collar cells in Nemertini are briefly discussed.List of Abbreviations a axoneme - b basal body - c cilia or flagella - d desmosome - G Golgi apparatus - m mitochondria - mf microfilaments - mu mucus - mv microvilli - n nucleus - nt neurotubules - pm plasma membrane - r rootlet - ri ribosomes - v secretory vesicles     

白鲟消化道形态学与组织学的初步观察

白鲟消化道具有肉食性鱼类的典型特征,其口咽腔结构既适合捕食又适合吞食与滤食水生动物。咽后消化道可分为食道、胃后行支、胃前行支、小肠、瓣肠、直肠与肛门。幽门盲囊似一致密器官,小肠与瓣肠连接处有一特殊淋巴器官,肛门两侧有腹孔。白鲟口咽腔被覆层扁平上皮,上皮内有味蕾分布。咽后消化道组织分层为粘膜(无粘膜肌层)、粘膜下层(小肠及瓣肠前部无)、肌层与外膜。粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,由纤毛柱状细胞、一般柱状细胞和杯状细胞组成,其间还散在有颗粒细胞和游走细胞。食道后部与胃的一般柱状细胞为分泌粘液的细胞,肠内的一般柱状细胞为吸收细胞。胃后行支及部分前行支固有膜内有消化腺,其余各部的固有膜为致密层。小肠前中部粘膜形成蜂窝状粘膜窦,无肠腺。除食道前部肌层中有横纹肌外,其余部的肌层均为平滑肌。外膜内结缔组织有的致密有的疏松,外膜表面细胞柱状或立方形或扁平。     

The digestive tract of the amberjack Seriola dumerili, Risso: a light and scanning electron microscope study

The histology of the digestive tract of the amberjack ( Seriola dumerili , Risso) was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The anterior oesophagus mucosa displays primary and secondary folds lined with a stratified squamous epithelium with fingerprint-like microridges which is substituted, on the top of the oesogaster folds, by a simple columnar epithelium with short microvilli. Only primary folds are present in the stomach. The anterior portion is rich in simple tubular glands, whereas the oesogaster and the pyloric region are devoid of them. Pyloric caeca and anterior and middle intestine mucosa display the same pattern of folding. The dominant cell type is the enterocyte, which exhibits larger and thinner microvilli in the caeca than in the intestine. The columnar epithelium of the rectum is replaced, in the anal sphincter, by a stratified flattened epithelium. Goblet cells are numerous throughout the whole length of the tract with the exception of the initial part of the oesophagus, the oesogaster, the stomach and the anal sphincter. Mucosubstances have been shown to vary in the different regions of the gut: acid mucines are found in the oesophagus, pyloric stomach, caeca, intestine and rectum, whereas neutral mucosubstances dominate in the anterior portion of the stomach. The muscularis is well developed throughout the length of the tract: two layers of striated muscle at the oesophageal level; two layers of smooth muscle in the stomach wall and three at the intestinal level.     

Structure of the digestive tract of the pluteus larva of Dendraster excentricus (Echinodermata: Echinoida)

Summary Histological and ultrastructural observations of the digestive tract of eight-armed plutei of Dendraster excentricus are reported. The esophagus is divided into two regions. The uppermost is a narrow tube comprised of ciliated cells that assist in transporting food to the more bulbous lower esophagus where food particles are formed into a bolus prior to entering the stomach. The esophagus is surrounded by a network of smooth muscle fibers that are predominantly oriented circumferentially in the upper esophagus, and longitudinally in the lower esophagus. The musculature of the upper esophagus produces peristaltic contractions, whereas contractions of the muscle of the lower esophagus open the cardiac sphincter and force food from the lower esophagus into the stomach. Axons are associated with the ciliated cells and the muscles of the upper esophagus. The cardiac sphincter consists of a ring of myoepithelium, with cross-striated myofibrils oriented around the bases of the cells. The gastric epithelium is comprised of two cell types. Type I cells, which predominate, absorb and store nutrients, and may be the source of secreted digestive enzymes. Type II cells apparently phagocytize and intracellularly digest whole algal cells. The intestine is comprised of relatively unspecialized cells and probably functions primarily as a conductive tube for the elimination of undigested materials.     

Development and neural organization of the tornaria larva of the Hawaiian hemichordate, Ptychodera flava

We report scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies of the early development of the Hawaiian acorn worm, Ptychodera flava. In addition, we provide an immunohistochemical identification of the larval nervous system. Development occurs and is constrained within the stout chorion and fertilization envelope that forms upon the release of the cortical granules in the cytoplasm of the egg. The blastula consists of tall columnar blastomeres encircling a small blastocoel. Typical gastrulation occurs and a definitive tornaria is formed compressed within the fertilization envelope. The young tornaria hatches at 44 hr and begins to expand. The major circumoral ciliary band that crosses the dorsal surface and passes preorally and postorally is well developed. In addition, we find a nascent telotroch, as well as a midventral ciliary band that is already clearly developed. The epithelium of tornaria is a mosaic of monociliated and multiciliated cells. Immunohistochemistry with a novel neural marker, monoclonal antibody 1E11, first detects nerve cells at the gastrula stage. In tornaria, 1E11 staining nerve cells occur throughout the length of the ciliary bands, in the apical organ, in a circle around the mouth, in the esophageal epithelium and in circumpylorus regions. Axon(s) and apical processes extend from the nerve cell bodies and run in tracks along the ciliary bands. Axons extending from the preoral and postoral bands extend into the oral field and form a network. The tornaria nervous system with ciliary bands and an apical organ is rather similar to the echinoderm bipinnaria larvae.     

Ultrastructure of the abdominal sense organ of the scallop <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mizuchopecten yessoensis</Emphasis> (Jay)

The sensory epithelium of the abdominal sense organ (ASO) of the scallop Mizuchopecten yessoensis is composed of three cell types, sensory cells, mucous cells, and multiciliated cells. Sensory cells bear a single long (up to 250 microm) cilium surrounded by an inner ring of nine modified microvilli and an outer ring of ordinary microvilli paired with modified microvilli. Sensory cells make up about 90% of the total number of cells in the sensory epithelium. Mucous cells, which are much wider than sensory cells, bear only ordinary microvilli on their apical surface. Rare multiciliated cells with short (4-6 microm) cilia are scattered in the periphery of the sensory epithelium sheet. All hairs, cilium, and microvilli of each sensory cell are interconnected by a fibrous network. Nine modified microvilli of a single cell are interconnected by prominent laterally running fibrous links. Membrane-associated electron-dense material of modified microvilli is connected to the ciliary membrane-associated electron-dense material by fine string-like links. These links mechanically bridge the space between the cilium and modified microvilli, as do mechanical links, described for the stereocilia and kinocilium of vertebrate vestibular and cochlear hair cells. The proximal portion of a sensory cilium is about 100 microm long and has a typical 9 x 2+2 axoneme arrangement. The distal portion of a cilium is approximately 2 times thinner than the proximal one and is filled with homogeneous electron-dense material. Along the distal portion, diffuse material associated with the external surface of the membrane is found. The rigidity of distal portion of a cilium is much less than that of the proximal one.     

Peroxidase activity in the epithelium of the digestive tract of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

Peroxidase activity was examined cytochemically in the mucosal epithelium along the length of the digestive tract from the esophagus through the large intestine during the development of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. In the tadpole of this species, cells with peroxidase activity were found abundantly in the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine; and the types of such cells differed according to the region: ciliated cells and mucous cells in the esophagus; ciliated cells in the stomach; and brush cells, absorptive cells, and goblet cells in the large intestine, respectively. After metamorphosis, however, peroxidase activity was observed exclusively in absorptive cells and goblet cells in the large intestine. Peroxidase activity was commonly demonstrated in apical vesicles or granules, to some degree in rough endoplasmic reticulum, and in some elements of the Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, reaction product was also found in mucus covering the luminal surface of such epithelial cells. These findings indicate that peroxidase-positive cells, which may have the ability to synthesize peroxidase as a secretory product, were distributed mainly in three regions of the digestive tract in tadpoles (esophagus, stomach, and large intestine), but were centered in one specific region, the large intestine, after metamorphosis. Concomitantly, the variety of types of peroxidase-positive cells decreased during metamorphosis. Our results indicate that some of the peroxidase in the digestive tract may have a secretory origin and may play a role in the defense against microorganisms.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of the midgut in Piscicola geometra (Annelida, Hirudinea)

This paper presents information on the organization of the midgut and its epithelium ultrastructure in juvenile and adult specimens of Piscicola geometra (Annelida, Hirudinea), a species which is a widespread ectoparasite found on the body and gills and in the mouth of many types of fish. The analysis of juvenile nonfeeding specimens helped in the explanation of all alterations in the midgut epithelium which are connected with digestion. The endodermal portion (midgut) of the digestive system is composed of four regions: the esophagus, the crop, the posterior crop caecum, and the intestine. Their epithelia are formed by flat, cuboidal, or columnar digestive cells; however, single small cells which do not contact the midgut lumen were also observed. The ultrastructure of all of the regions of the midgut are described and discussed with a special emphasis on their functions in the digestion of blood. In P. geometra, the part of the midgut that is devoid of microvilli is responsible for the accumulation of blood, while the epithelium of the remaining part of the midgut, which has a distinct regionalization in the distribution of organelles, plays a role in its absorption and secretion. Glycogen granules in the intestinal epithelium indicate its role in the accumulation of sugar. The comparison of the ultrastructure of midgut epithelium in juvenile and adult specimens suggests that electron-dense granules observed in the apical cytoplasm of digestive cells take part in enzyme accumulation. Numerous microorganisms were observed in the mycetome, which is composed of two large oval diverticles that connect with the esophagus via thin ducts. Similar microorganisms also occurred in the cytoplasm of the epithelium in the esophagus, the crop, the intestine, and in their lumen. Microorganisms were observed both in fed adult and unfed juvenile specimens of P. geometra, which strongly suggests that vertical transmission occurs from parent to offspring.     

银鲳消化道形态与组织学结构特征及其消化酶活性

为了解银鲳(Pampus argenteus)消化道结构特点与其功能及食性的相关性, 采用解剖、石蜡切片、AB-PAS染色及酶活性检测技术对银鲳消化道的形态、组织结构、黏液细胞分布及消化酶活性进行研究。结果显示, 银鲳的消化道由口咽腔(舌)、食道侧囊、食道、胃及肠构成, 胃肠交界处有很多幽门盲囊。食道侧囊呈椭球形, 食道粗短, 胃呈U型, 肠有多个盘曲, 肠指数为2.03。舌上皮内有少量味蕾及较多黏液细胞。食道侧囊、食道、胃及肠均由黏膜层、黏膜下层、肌层及浆膜组成。食道侧囊内皱襞较发达, 被覆复层扁平上皮, 内含较多黏液细胞, 且以Ⅳ型为主, 皱襞顶端及侧面有内含角质刺的次级突起; 黏膜下层及肌层中有固定皱襞的骨质脚根; 侧囊内胃蛋白酶活性较高。食道内皱襞较高, 被覆复层扁平上皮, 内含较多黏液细胞, 且以Ⅳ型为主。胃内皱襞发达, 被覆单层柱状上皮, 未见黏液细胞分布; 胃腺发达, 胃内蛋白酶活性较高。肠道内褶襞多, 高度呈先下降后上升趋势, 黏液细胞密度前、中肠较高, 后肠较低, 且均以Ⅰ型为主; 肠道内胰蛋白酶、脂肪酶、淀粉酶及碱性磷酸酶活性较高。幽门盲囊组织结构与肠相似。银鲳的消化道结构特点、黏液细胞分布及消化酶活性与其功能及偏肉食的杂食性相适应。     

Changes of the lingual epithelium in Ambystoma mexicanum

Changes in the lingual epithelium during ontogenesis and after induced metamorphosis in Ambystoma mexicanum are described as observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The epithelium of the tongue is always multilayered in the larva as well as in the adult. It consists of a stratum germinativum with little differentiated basal cells and a stratum superficiale (superficial layer) with specialized superficial cells and goblet cells. Usually, there are more than two layers because of a stratum intermedium consisting of replacement cells. The apical cell membrane of the superficial cells is perforated by fine pores. Its most typical feature are microridges. Maturing superficial cells possess microvilli. Goblet cells occur in early larvae primarily in the centre of the tongue. They spread throughout the dorsal face of the tongue as their numbers increase during ontogenesis. The small apices of the goblet cells are intercalated in the wedges between the superficial cells. Leydig cells are not found on the larval tongue but on that of adults. Due to metamorphosis, the epithelium of the tongue changes. It is furrowed in its anterior part. The furrows house the openings of the lingual glands. The surface is further modulated by ridges which are densely coated by microvilli and which bear the taste buds. The villi of the tongue which lack extrusion pores show cilia and microvilli but lack microridges. The Leydig cells disappear during metamorphosis. In addition to the two types of goblet cells found in different regions of the glandular tubules, goblet cells occur in the caudal part. They secrete directly into the cavity of the mouth. The posterior part is characterised by a dense coat of cilia.     

中华绒螯蟹消化道组织学及扫描电镜研究

对中华绒螯蟹成蟹消化道各段进行了光镜组织学结构的观察;应用扫描电镜技术,观察了中华绒螯蟹消化道各段黏膜上皮表面超微结构特征。结果表明：除中肠及后盲囊外,整个消化道黏膜上皮表面均有较厚的分泌物层和较发达的纤毛层。纤毛形态结构各异;以食道和后肠分布最密,胃和肠球次之。消化道各段黏膜上皮细胞表面均形成大小不一、形态各异的多级皱褶和嵴。仅中肠表面具典型微绒毛结构。各消化道段黏膜上皮表面均未见杯状细胞,上皮下基膜发达,黏膜下层明显,消化腺分布其间。整个消化道壁的肌层均为横纹肌,且排列疏松,外膜多为浆膜。