花背蟾蜍和中华蟾蜍皮肤腺体及耳后腺体的组织学研究

目的了解花背蟾蜍和中华蟾蜍皮肤腺和耳后腺的显微结构特点。方法采用大体解剖学方法观察耳后腺的外部形态及皮肤分泌物特征,采用常规石蜡包埋组织切片技术、HE和PAS染色方法观察皮肤腺和耳后腺的结构。结果花背蟾蜍和中华蟾蜍相比,皮肤黏液腺和耳后腺的显微结构差异有显著性,皮肤颗粒腺结构相似,推测当颗粒腺中的分泌物排出后,腺体外的上皮肌细胞变厚,细胞界限明显。花背蟾蜍皮肤黏液腺有两类分泌细胞相间排列成花环型。根据黏液腺分泌细胞的高矮（即中等高柱状、矮柱状和极矮柱状）,中华蟾蜍皮肤黏液腺相应地可见到三种形态,第三种黏液腺的分泌细胞极矮腺腔较大,数量极少,基本上只在前后肢皮肤中观察到。花背蟾蜍和中华蟾蜍的耳后腺也有差别：一是,中华蟾蜍耳后腺中大瓶状腺体内含物明显不同;二是,中华蟾蜍耳后腺中大瓶状腺体的大导管外侧有不同腺体存在,花背蟾蜍则无;三是,中华蟾蜍耳后腺表皮下大瓶状腺体上有钙化层存在,花背蟾蜍则无。结论两种蟾蜍皮肤腺和耳后腺均存在一定的差异,这种形态结构的差异与其生活习性和防御机能密切相关。     

红瘰疣螈皮肤的显微结构观察

对我国Ⅱ级重点保护野生动物红瘰疣螈(Tylototriton shanjing)成体的皮肤结构进行了显微观察。观察结果表明,其皮肤厚薄、微血管、色素分布,以及腺体的分布和大小等方面在身体的不同部位存在差异:头和背部的皮肤厚于腹部;黑色素细胞多分布于真皮浅层,以腹部及背侧无瘰粒处多见;真皮层富含黏液腺和颗粒腺,但分布不均匀;头嵴棱部及背部瘰粒下方颗粒腺的数量多、体积大,并充满分泌物;表皮下腺体外突,其表皮细胞层数减少,形成分泌物有效通道。同时,将红瘰疣螈皮肤与其他两栖类相比可知,其以上皮肤结构特征均体现了红瘰疣螈对山区阴湿环境中陆栖生活的重要适应。     

金佛拟小鲵幼体皮肤的显微结构观察

采用光镜和扫描电镜对金佛拟小鲵(Pseudohynobius jinfo)幼体皮肤进行组织学和形态学观察。金佛拟小鲵幼体皮肤由表皮和真皮构成。不同部位皮肤厚度不同,头部背侧皮肤最薄,其厚度为(45.99±12.77)μm,尾部腹侧的皮肤最厚,其厚度为(95.21±42.72)μm。表皮角质层仅躯干背部和尾部明显,由仍具有一定生理活性的复层扁平上皮细胞构成。皮肤腺体包括黏液腺和颗粒腺。黏液腺广泛分布于身体各个部位的皮肤,颗粒腺呈区域性分布,仅见躯干部和尾部皮肤,其体积大于黏液腺。毛细血管多分布于真皮疏松层腺体周围,与表皮层紧密接触并凸向表皮。色素细胞主要分布于表皮和疏松层的交界处,呈多细胞聚集的状态,形成厚度不一的色素层。     

蛙科物种背侧褶组织形态特征

背侧褶是无尾两栖类的重要形态特征,但对于其组织结构和功能缺乏了解。本文运用组织学技术,H.E、AB-PAS和Masson三色三种染色方法对蛙科4属的代表物种滇蛙（Dianrana pleuraden）、阔褶蛙（Sylvirana latouchii）、仙琴蛙（Nidirana daunchina）、沼蛙（Boulengerana guentheri）背侧褶和背部皮肤的显微结构进行了系统的比较研究。结果发现：1）蛙科物种的皮肤腺体单元丰富多样,由黏液腺和颗粒腺组成。其黏液腺均为普通黏液腺,按照其分泌物及分泌细胞形态将黏液腺分为Ⅰ型黏液腺和Ⅱ型黏液腺。Ⅰ型黏液腺在沼蛙和仙琴蛙中缺失,Ⅱ型普遍分布。颗粒腺分Ⅰ型颗粒腺、Ⅱ型颗粒腺及特化颗粒腺,Ⅱ型颗粒腺仅见于仙琴蛙,特化颗粒腺仅见于阔褶蛙和沼蛙的背侧褶;2）滇蛙与仙琴蛙背侧褶基本结构与其背部常规皮肤一致,且两种皮肤结构组成也较为相似,在真皮层下都有一层较厚的脂肪层,滇蛙脂肪层厚度约为真皮层厚度的1.52倍,仙琴蛙脂肪层厚度约为真皮层的1.60倍;阔褶蛙与沼蛙背侧褶基本结构也与其常规皮肤一致,且背侧褶结构组成也较为相似,阔褶蛙及沼蛙真皮层内具有单层排列、集中分布的大型特化颗粒腺,其分泌物为两种颗粒物的混合物。3）蛙科中两种背侧褶结构类型代表了两个进化方向,其功能分别为能量储存和反捕,推测其与环境适应进化相关。     

爪鲵皮肤的显微结构和呼吸作用

本文报道了爪鲵皮肤和腺体的显微结构特点及腺体和毛细血管的分布特点。其表皮较薄 ,由 2～ 7层细胞构成 ,真皮厚度与腺体大小有关 ,致密层在腹部较厚而在其他部位稀少。爪鲵皮肤不仅具有粘液腺和颗粒腺 ,而且还出现了一种特殊的类似脂肪细胞构成的腺体 ,该腺体只分布于体背部与体腹部的交界处。颗粒腺集中在躯体和尾的背部 ,粘液腺主要集中分布于腹部。毛细血管在皮肤中极其丰富 ,背部分布密度明显大于腹部。毛细血管分布于表皮下 ,并常向表皮突起 ,突起处表皮细胞层数减少 ,形成皮肤的血气呼吸屏障 ,以保证皮肤有效的呼吸作用的完成。     

爪鲵皮肤的显微结构和呼吸作用(图版Ⅵ)

本文报道了爪鲵皮肤和腺体的显微结构特点及腺体和毛细血管的分布特点。其表皮较薄,由2～7层细胞构成,真皮厚度与腺体大小有关,致密层在腹部较厚而在其他部位稀少。爪鲵皮肤不仅具有粘液腺和颗粒腺,而且还出现了一种特殊的类似脂肪细胞构成的腺体,该腺体只分布于体背部与体腹部的交界处。颗粒腺集中在躯体和尾的背部,粘液腺主要集中分布于腹部。毛细血管在皮肤中极其丰富,背部分布密度明显大于腹部。毛细血管分布于表皮下,并常向表皮突起,突起处表皮细胞层数减少,形成皮肤的血气呼吸屏障,以保证皮肤有效的呼吸作用的完成。     

高原林蛙不同部位皮肤组织结构比较

高原林蛙(Rana kukunoris)是青藏高原特有的两栖类动物,已适应青藏高原高海拔低温、缺氧、强紫外线的自然环境。采用石蜡切片技术和H.E染色及扫描电镜技术对青藏高原东北部地区高原林蛙头部、背部、腹部、侧部皮肤结构进行观察。高原林蛙各部位皮肤均由表皮和真皮组成,表皮是角质化的复层扁平上皮,不同部位表皮层厚度接近,真皮层厚度不同,头部真皮层的厚度最厚,为(197.86±29.73)μm,侧部最薄,为(55.33±5.22)μm。高原林蛙真皮疏松层中分布有颗粒腺、黏液腺和嗜酸腺。颗粒腺主要分布于头背部;黏液腺在头部数目最多,侧部最少;嗜酸腺在机体各部位均匀分布。高原林蛙头部、背部、侧部色素细胞含量丰富,腹部色素细胞含量较少。毛细血管分布于真皮疏松层腺体周围,表皮中也有少量分布。这些结构特征可能是高原林蛙对青藏高原环境的适应策略。     

不同年龄与不同时期林麝香腺组织结构观察

本研究旨在探究林麝(Moschus berezovskii)在不同年龄和泌香期与非泌香期香腺的组织结构变化,为深入研究林麝香腺发育和麝香分泌机制提供基础资料。收集6只雄性林麝的香腺组织,包括泌香期2岁龄林麝1例,非泌香期6月龄、2岁龄、4岁龄、6岁龄和8岁龄林麝各1例,采用大体解剖、石蜡切片及常规H.E染色技术,对香腺的形态、组织特征及腺泡直径进行了比较分析。结果显示,林麝香腺位于腹部阴囊与腹脐之间,与阴囊的距离约为4.5 cm。根据功能,香腺可划分为香囊部和腺体部。负责分泌麝香液的腺体组织为肉眼可见的白色颗粒,嵌入腺体部肌层深处并环绕香囊颈分布。6月龄林麝香腺已具有成熟腺体结构,但腺上皮仍处于休止状态;成年林麝香腺的腺泡则增大且数量增多。成年林麝泌香期腺泡被挤压成团状分布,上皮游离面破碎不整,腺泡腔内含有大量明显的颗粒状分泌物与细胞碎屑混合堆积;非泌香期腺泡直径显著大于泌香期(P < 0.01),2岁林麝腺泡表现为紧密排列的椭球形,而4岁及以上的腺泡则呈不规则团状分布,腔内可见颗粒物,且4岁、6岁和8岁的腺泡直径无显著差异(P > 0.05)。林麝香腺组织结构的变化反映了泌香能力与生长阶段的关系。     

西藏蟾蜍皮肤的组织学观察

为了解西藏蟾蜍Bufo tibetanus与其高海拔生活环境的适应性,采用常规石蜡切片和苏木精-伊红染色方法,对西藏蟾蜍雌雄性头部、躯干和四肢的背、腹侧皮肤显微结构进行了观察、测量和比较。结果显示皮肤的基本结构与已报道的无尾两栖类相似,由表皮和真皮组成。表皮较薄,由5~8层细胞构成,由外到内分为角质层、中间层和基底层。真皮较厚,分为疏松层和致密层。各部位大多表现为背侧皮肤厚度大于腹侧,相应部位大多为雌性大于雄性。皮肤厚度的变化在一定程度上与西藏蟾蜍运动方式和繁殖期间抱对行为相适应。皮肤腺体分粘液腺和颗粒腺2种。色素细胞主要分布在疏松层近表皮处,但在表皮和腺体周围也可见色素细胞的不连续分布。皮肤中毛细血管极其丰富,不仅在表皮下几乎成连续分布,而且在腺体周围也有密集分布。西藏蟾蜍皮肤结构明显表现出与生活环境中强紫外辐射和缺氧环境相适应的特点。     

林蛙属3物种皮肤的组织结构比较

利用石蜡切片和H.E染色技术,对蛙科(Ranidae)林蛙属(Rana)高原林蛙(R.kukunoris)、昭觉林蛙(R.chaochiaoensis)和峨眉林蛙(R.omeimontis)的皮肤组织结构进行了观察。应用SPSS 13.0统计软件,对皮肤的厚度、皮肤腺的相对数量和面积作了比较分析。3物种皮肤的基本结构相似,都由表皮和真皮组成。表皮是角质化的复层扁平上皮,由角质层、颗粒层、棘细胞层和生发层构成。真皮又分为疏松层和致密层,疏松层内分布有黏液腺、颗粒腺和脂腺3种类型的皮肤腺,黏液腺在体背和体腹皮肤内基本均匀分布,而颗粒腺主要以团块聚集形式散布在体背皮肤中。在高原林蛙皮肤中还发现了1种与以往描述不同的特殊嗜酸性腺体。皮肤厚度存在种间差异和部位差异。高原林蛙的表皮里有少量毛细血管和发达的色素细胞分布,真皮疏松层里有发达的腺体,这些可能是其对高海拔、低氧、低温和强紫外线辐射生活环境的适应策略。在峨眉林蛙和昭觉林蛙皮肤真皮的疏松层和致密层相邻处,发现有呈波浪条带状的、H.E染色呈蓝色的钙化层结构,体背部的钙化层比体腹部的发达。钙化层的功能可能包括防止体内水分散失、贮存钙离子、构成与体外环境进行物质交换的屏障等方面。     

Morphology of reproductive accessory glands in female Sepia pharaonis (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) sheds light on egg encapsulation

The pharaoh cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis, is an important cephalopod fishery species in southeastern Asia, with understudied reproductive physiology. The present study aimed to investigate the cellular characteristics of epithelial cells found in the nidamental glands (NGs) and accessory NGs (ANGs), as well as the structural connections between these two glands in mature female S. pharaonis. A histological analysis revealed two types of epithelial cells in NGs: Alcian blue‐positive, PAS‐negative mucosubstance‐secreting cells and eosinophilic, PAS‐positive granule‐secreting cells. Using transmission electron microscopy, three types of epithelial cells were identified: cells with electron‐dense granules, cells with electron‐lucent granules, and cells with both cilia and microvilli in the apex. Mature ANGs contain an abundance of tubular units composed of epithelial cells resting on a thin layer of basal lamina. Innervated muscle cells are tightly adhered to the basal lamina. In addition, we observed epithelial canalization of ANG tubules penetrating through the connective tissue linking NGs and the walls of the tubules in ANGs, which allows the contents of the ANG tubules to be transported to the NGs. Our results suggest that ANGs participate in the encapsulation of the ova via the same pathway as NGs, which provides an important basis for future studies on the mechanism of protection provided by NGs and ANGs during embryonic development in S. pharaonis.     

Neurotransmitters regulating acid secretion in the proventriculus of the Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata): a morphological viewpoint

Endocrine cells containing somatostatin (Som), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nerve fibers containing choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), galanin (Gal), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were immunolocalized in the proventriculus of the Houbara bustard, Chlamydotis undulata. While GRP-immunoreactive (GRP-IR) cells occur in the inner zone, somatostatin (Som-IR) and polyclonal nNOS (nNOS-IR) immunoreactive cells were localized mainly in the peripheral zone of submucosal glands. GRP-IR, Som-IR, and nNOS-IR cells were occasionally observed in the walls of the gastric glands. Endocrine cells are of the closed variety and usually possess apical processes extending along the basal surfaces of adjacent nonreactive cells. Ultrastructural features of these cells are typical. ChAT, Gal, SP, VIP, and TH were immunolocalized in nerve fibers and terminals in the walls of arterioles and capillaries at the periphery of submucosal glands. Immunoreactivity to monoclonal nNOS occurred mainly in neuronal cell bodies in ganglia located around the submucosal glands. ChAT and TH immunoreactive cell bodies were also occasionally seen around the submucosal glands in the peripheral region. Immunoreactivity to Gal, SP, and VIP, but not ChAT or TH, was discernible around the walls of gastric glands. It was concluded that the distribution of neurotransmitters in neuronal structures is similar, but that of the endocrine cells varies from that of some avian species. The roles of these neurotransmitters in the regulation of acid secretion are discussed.     

Ultrastructural investigation of a salivary gland in a centipede: structure and origin of the maxilla I-gland of Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda, Notostigmophora)

The maxilla I-gland of Scutigera coleoptrata was investigated using light and electron microscopy methods. This is the first ultrastructural investigation of a salivary gland in Chilopoda. The paired gland opens via the hypopharynx into the foregut and extends up to the third trunk segment. The gland is of irregular shape and consists of numerous acini consisting of several gland units. The secretion is released into an arborescent duct system. Each acinus consists of multiple of glandular units. The units are composed of three cell types: secretory cells, a single intermediary cell, and canal cells. The pear-shaped secretory cell is invaginated distally, forming an extracellular reservoir lined with microvilli, into which the secretion is released. The intermediary cell forms a conducting canal and connects the secretory cell with the canal cell. Proximally, the intermediary cell bears microvilli, whereas the distal part is covered with a distinct cuticle. The cuticle is a continuation of the cuticle of the canal cells. This investigation shows that the structure of the glandular units of the salivary maxilla I-gland is comparable to that of the glandular units of epidermal glands. Thus, it is likely that in Chilopoda salivary glands and epidermal glands share the same ground pattern. It is likely that in compound acinar glands a multiplication of secretory and duct cells has taken place, whereas the number of intermediary cells remains constant. The increase in the number of salivary acini leads to a shifting of the secretory elements away from the epidermis, deep into the head. Comparative investigations of the different head glands provide important characters for the reconstruction of myriapod phylogeny and the relationships of Myriapoda and Hexapoda.     

Three types of cutaneous glands in the skin of the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl. A histological and ultrastructural study

Histological and ultrastructural investigations revealed three different multicellular skin gland types in the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl. The mucous glands are small, with one layer of secretory cells surrounding a central lumen; they produce the viscous and slippery mucus film that has various functions in amphibians. The serous glands can be divided based on their histological and ultrastructural characters into the granular gland Type I (GGI) and the granular gland Type II (GGII). The first type (GGI) is moderately sized and distributed throughout the body surface, with higher concentrations in the parotoid and back regions. In contrast, the second type (GGII) is very large (for Pleurodeles) and was found only in the tail, with highest concentration in the tail dorsum. Both granular gland types contain mainly proteinaceous materials but differ in their morphological features including size, shape, cellular organization and vesicle distribution, vesicle size and vesicle shape. Both GGI and GGII are especially concentrated in body parts that are presented to an attacking predator and are hypothesized to produce repellent to poisonous substances to thwart potential aggressors. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Anatomy of the major lacrimal gland of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The major lacrimal gland of rhesus monkeys is impalpable within the fatty connective tissue of the upper lateral quadrant of the orbit. Acini of the lacrimal glands are composed of both sparsely and heavily granulated cells that histochemically resemble serous acinar cells of the submandibular salivary gland. The cytoplasmic granules are strongly periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive, and some are also stained by alcian blue for acidic mucosubstances. The lacrimal gland has a simple duct system of intralobular ducts and interlobular excretory ducts. Lymphocytes and plasma cells are common in the periductal stroma. Major lacrimal glands of rhesus monkeys are suitable for comparative and correlative studies of lacrimal and salivary diseases and radiation responses.     

The role of the accessory reproductive glands and genital ducts in egg pod formation in female Schistocerca gregaria

Removal of the accessory reproductive glands in female Schistocerca gregaria does not prevent the formation of eggplugs as expected. The egg pods formed are incomplete, with froth in the egg plug partially lacking. The extent of collapse is dependent on the time of removal of the glands. These results suggest that the genital ducts (egg calyces and lateral oviducts) play a significant role in the production of egg pod material, and the accessory glands probably participate in the process. Ligation of the glands has the same effect on egg pod structure; secretion accumulates in the glands indicating that, although the contribution made to the egg pod by the glands is small, they are not vestigial and are not acting simply as reservoirs for secretions produced distally. Cautery of the Comstock-Kellogg glands produces no visible change in egg pod structure or in method of formation, and thus their function remains undetermined. In the absence of the ventral median pouch egg masses are laid without the plug. A thin layer of nonvacuolated material is smeared over the walls of the oviposition hole, suggesting that the secretions produced in the upper regions of the genital ducts are added to or modified by an additional secretion from this gland, before being released to the exterior.     

Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the foregut in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Wirenia argentea</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Genitoconia rosea</Emphasis> (Mollusca,Solenogastres)

Wirenia argentea and Genitoconia rosea feed on Cnidaria like most representatives of the molluscan taxon Solenogastres (Aplacophora, Neomeniomorpha sensu Scheltema). The structure and histochemistry of the foregut are described based on histologic, semithin, and ultrathin section series. The ultrastructure was analyzed by means of transmission electron microscopy. There are two sets of unicellular glands: a narrow row of preoral gland cells opening to the preoral area, and pharyngeal gland cells in high numbers. Preoral gland cells produce serous secretions in W. argentea, but mucosubstances in G. rosea, whereas pharyngeal gland cells are similar in structure and histochemistry in both species. Based on the size and electron density of gland vesicles, five distinct types of pharyngeal gland cells can be defined. In contrast to earlier assumptions, all types of pharyngeal gland cells produce serous secretions, most probably representing digestive ferments, but no mucosubstances.     

Skin and poison glands in toads (Rhinella) and their role in defence and water balance

Toads are considered poisonous animals since they have a passive mode of defence relying on cutaneous poison glands, differently from venomous animals who can inject venom in predators/aggressors or prey. Toads of Rhinella marina group are generally large and have a broad distribution in South America, inhabiting a wide range of environments. In this paper, we studied the toads Rhinella icterica from the Atlantic rainforest, and Rhinella jimi from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga, analysing aspects of natural history and comparing their skin morphology, the presence of macroglands, their resistance to water loss and rates of water uptake. In periods of extreme drought, R. jimi uses rock cracks as refuges, exposing only the head and regions of accumulation of poison glands. The skin of R. jimi showed higher number of poison glands with hydrophilic content than R. icterica. R. jimi also had a thicker skin, which can be related to its superior resistance to water loss. It also showed high rates of rehydration in association with a peculiar behaviour using the limbs to spread water onto highly glandular skin areas, suggesting that poison glands may also act in water balance in addition to chemical defence.     

Ultrastructural investigation of the vesicular glands in Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda,Notostigmophora)

In the notostigmophoran centipedes, two pairs of vesicular glands have evolved. These paired glands are situated in the first and second trunk segment and open via cuticular ducts in the upper part of the particular pleura. The vesicular glands of Scutigera coleoptrata were investigated using light and, for the first time, electron microscopical methods. The glands consist of wide sac‐like cavities that often appear vesicular. The epithelia of both glands are identically structured and consist of numerous glandular units. Each of these units consists of four different cells: a single secretory cell, a small intermediary cell, and one proximal and one distal canal cell. The intermediary cell forms a conducting canal and connects the secretory cell with the canal cells. Proximally, the intermediary cell bears microvilli, whereas the distal part is covered with a distinct cuticle. The cuticle is a continuation of the cuticle of the canal cells. This investigation shows that the ultrastructure of glandular units of the vesicular glands is comparable to that of the glandular units of other epidermal glands in Chilopoda and Diplopoda, although the glands look completely different in the light microscope. Thus, it is likely that the vesicular glands and epidermal glands share the same ground pattern. With regard to specific differences in the cuticular lining of the intermediary cells, a common origin of epidermal glands in Myriapoda and Hexapoda is not supported. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.