The morphology of the upper lip of Cypridoidea ostracods: taxonomic and phylogenetic significance

This paper represents the first study of the morphology of the upper lip (labrum) and hypostome of ostracods using scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.). There is considerable variation in the upper lip morphology of the 23 species of Cypridoidea (Podocopina) ostracods used in this study. The detail of the upper lip morphology of each species is very distinctive, so that species determination can be made on this feature alone, but it is not useful in diagnosing genera or subfamilies. The hypostome is not readily studied due to the large amounts of dense pseudochaetae (small, setae-like projections) protruding from it and hence is considered not to be a useful taxonomic feature. Several features of the upper lip and mouth region are documented for the first time. Comparisons of the general morphology of the upper lips of Recent ostracods with the upper lip of the fossil ostracod Pattersoncypris micropapillosa Bate, 1972, indicate that there has been very conservative evolution in these features since the Cretaceous.     

Multifunctions of the upper lip and a ventral reflecting organ in a bioluminescent ostracod Vargula hilgendorfii (Müller, 1890)

Multifunctions of the upper lip in a bioluminescent myodocopid Vargula hilgendorfii were studied by video observation and histological method. The localization of luciferin and luciferase gland cells within the upper lip was partly successful. Two long protrusions of the upper lip, both of V. hilgendorfii and a non-luminescent species of the same family, immediately anterior to the mouth, were found to show very flexible movement especially while eating, as if smearing on the food surface a secretion from the protrusions (glands), which may support the hypothesized secretion of digestive enzymes from the upper lip. This hypothesis is further supported by the new finding of a pair of ducts which connect the basal part of the upper lip with the posterior digestive duct (stomach). Comparative studies of V. hilgendorfii with several sympatric non-luminescent species of the same family have also revealed that it has a characteristic reflecting organ immediately posterior to the anus. It is a conical small protrusion, as if dangling from the ventral edge of the abdomen at the apex of the cone. It is observable only in live specimens, when the furca, which is located outwardly to the organ, is sufficiently transparent. When illuminated, the reflecting organ reflects the distinct light. The diameter of the mirror (chemical composition provisionally analyzed) is about 6–8% of the carapace length. The organ develops from the very first stage of its ontogeny without reference to sex, which suggests that the function may be related to intraspecific signaling or predatory deterrence.     

Differential ultrastructure of synaptic terminals on ventral longitudinal abdominal muscles in Drosophila larvae

The innervation of ventral longitudinal abdominal muscles (muscles 6, 7, 12, and 13) of third-instar Drosophila larvae was investigated with Nomarski, confocal, and electron microscopy to define the ultrastructural features of synapse-bearing terminals. As shown by previous workers, muscles 6 and 7 receive in most abdominal segments “Type I” endings, which are restricted in distribution and possess relatively prominent periodic terminal enlargements (“boutons”); whereas muscles 12 and 13 have in addition “Type II” terminals, which are more widely distributed and have smaller “boutons.” Serial sectioning of the Type I innervation of muscles 6 and 7 showed that two axons with distinctive endings contribute to it. One axon (termed Axon 1) has somewhat larger boutons, containing numerous synapses and presynaptic dense bodies (putative active zones for transmitter release). This axon also has more numerous intraterminal mitochondria, and a profuse subsynaptic reticulum around or under the synaptic boutons. The second axon (Axon 2) provides somewhat smaller boutons, with fewer synapses and dense bodies per bouton, fewer intraterminal mitochondria, and less-developed subsynaptic reticulum. Both axons contain clear synaptic vesicles, with occasional large dense vesicles. Approximately 800 synapses are provided by Axon 1 to muscles 6 and 7, and approximately 250 synapses are provided by Axon 2. In muscles 12 and 13, endings with predominantly clear synaptic vesicles, generally similar to the Type I endings of muscles 6 and 7, were found, along with another type of ending containing predominantly dense-cored vesicles, with small clusters of clear synaptic vesicles. This second type of ending was found most frequently in muscle 12, and probably corresponds to a subset of the “Type II” endings seen in the light microscope. Type I endings are thought to generate the ?fast’? and ?slow’? junctional potentials seen in electrophysiological recordings, whereas the physiological actions of Type II endings are presently not known. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Description of a new long‐snouted beaked whale from the Late Miocene of Denmark: evolution of suction feeding and sexual dimorphism in the Ziphiidae (Cetacea: Odontoceti)

A new genus and species of Ziphiidae, Dagonodum mojnum gen. nov., sp. nov., from the upper Miocene Gram Formation (c. 9.9–7.2 Ma) represents the first occurrence of the family in Denmark. This long‐snouted ziphiid is characterized by two pairs of mandibular tusks, the Eustachian outlet that approximately levels with the dorsalmost margin of the posterior portion of the involucrum, and the left trapezoid nasal with a posteromedial projection into the frontal. A phylogenetic analysis including 25 species and 69 characters was conducted. Dagonodum mojnum is placed in a basal ziphiid clade as the sister taxon of Messapicetus. The specimen is probably a male, because it has enlarged tusks. Alternatively, females could also be involved in fights and develop erupted tusks as in the extant Berardius. Although less well supported, this interpretation proposes that aggressive interactions were not restricted to males in stem‐ziphiids. With a thickened thyrohyal and the presence of a precoronoid crest, D. mojnum was able to use suction feeding, but was less specialized to it compared to extant ziphiids. The elongated neck of D. mojnum less optimized to perform deep dives, and the shallow depth at which the Gram Formation was deposited corroborates the hypothesis that at least part of the stem‐ziphiids were not regular deep divers.     

Fine structure of axons associated with the salivary apparatus of the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea

Previous studies have shown that the neurotransmitter at the salivary gland of the cockroach is probably dopamine. An ultrastructural study of the innervation of these glands was made. It was concluded that there are two types of axon present designated type A and type B. Type A axons possess small agranular elliptical vesicles and large granular vesicles, whereas type B possess only large granular vesicles of larger diameter than those found in type A. The relationship of these types of axon to the cells of the acini is discussed. It is concluded that type A axons are catecholaminergic.     

Extrahypothalamic peptidergic neurosecretion

Summary In the subfornical organ of Rana esculenta, three basic structural elements can be demonstrated by light microscopic and immunohistological techniques used for the demonstration of products of the neurosecretory system. These elements are: (i) neurones and their processes, which are constituents of the subfornical organ proper, (ii) afferent axons of the preoptic nucleus, and (iii) subependymal cells with coarse processes. The vesicular inclusions of the two former structures correspond to the neurophysin vesicles with respect to their size, structure and reactivity. The vesicles of the subependymal cells belong to the same size class, possess a somewhat granular internal structure and react atypically after the application of the ultrahistochemical technique for the identification of neurophysin vesicles. Presumably, their content is a glycoprotein with a high proportion of cystine. The peptidergic axons of the preoptic nucleus projecting to the subfornical organ form neuroneuronal synapses.Supported by grants from the Ministry for Science and Technology of the German Democratic Republic     

Fine structural studies of the nervous system and the apical organ in the planula larva of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima

The nervous system of the planula larva of Anthopleura elegantissima consists of an apical organ, one type of endodermal receptor cell, two types of ectodermal receptor cells, central neurons and nerve plexus. Both interneural and neuromuscular synapses are found in the nerve plexus. The apical organ is a collection of about 100 long, columnar cells each bearing a long cilium and a collar of about 10 microvilli. The cilia of the apical organ are twisted together to form an apical tuft. The ciliary rootlets of the apical organ cells are extremely long, reaching to the basal processes of the cells adjacent to the mesoglea. All three types of sensory cells are tall and slender in profile and are identified by the presence of one or more of the following features: microtubules, small vesicles, membrane-bound granules and synapses. The interneurons are bipolar cells with somas restricted to the aboral end, adjacent to the apical organ. All synapses observed are polarized or asymmetrical. A diagram including all the elements of the nervous system is presented and the possible functions of the nervous system are discussed in relation to larval behavior.     

The structure of the larval nervous system of Pisaster ochraceus (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)

Ultrastructural observations and glyoxilic acid-induced fluorescence of catecholamines indicate that tracts of axons lie at the base of the ciliary bands and run throughout their length in bipinnaria and brachiolaria larvae of Pisaster ochraceus. Two types of nerve cells occur at regular intervals within the ciliary bands. Type I nerve cells are associated with the axonal tracts, and type II nerve cells, which are ciliated, occur along the edge of the ciliary bands. Two prominent ganglia, which appear as accumulations of nerve cells and neuropile, occur on the lower lip of the larval mouth. Smaller ganglia occur irregularly throughout the ciliary band. Synapses were never clearly identified and were assumed to be unspecialized. Nervous tissues were also found associated with the esophageal muscles, the attachment organ, and the larval arms. Organization of the nervous system and its association with effectors suggest it controls swimming and feeding. Several similarities exist between the nervous systems of larval asteroids, larval echinoids, and adult echinoderms.     

The ultrastructure of the paratympanic organ (Vitali) in Gallus domesticus: preliminary studies

The sensory epithelium of the paratypanic organ (Vitali) was studied by means of the electron microscope. Two kinds of cells are present. One type extends from the basement membrane to the surface of the epithelium; their nuclei are arranged close to the connective tissue and are surrounded by a pale cytoplasm. The distal part of these cells, which are denser and richer in organelles, possess microvilli. The cells of the second type are located above the basement membrane and are found between the upper parts of the cells of the first type. Their cytoplasm is rich in small round vesicles, free ribosomes and cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum are present especially in the infranuclear zone. The apical part contains a Golgi apparatus lysosomes and multive sicular bodies. At the apex each cell possesses a cuticular plate numerous stereocilia and one kinocilium. The stereocilia become increasingly longer from one side of the cell surface to the other and the kinocilium is situated on the side where the stereocilia are longest. Nervous fibers are present in the epithelium and are in close contact with the cells of the second type. The cells we have described are remarkably similar to the supporting and hair cells of the vestibular sensory epithelium.     

The Ultrastructure of the Accessory Olfactory Organ in the River Lamprey (Lampetra Jiuviatilis)

The accessory olfactory organ of Lampetra fluviatilis was found to consist of clusters of interconnected vesicles in tenuous connection with the exterior medium via the cavity of the olfactory organ. The walls of the vesicles are composed of two types of cells. One type are primary sense cells that resemble the olfactory sense cells in that their nucleus is situated peripherally and their axons pass directly into the brain. They differ from the olfactory sense cells in the size and number of cilia they bear, and also in the internal structure of the cilia. The second cell type are supporting and/or secretory cells. It is concluded that this sense organ is capable of responding to a “special kind” of chemical stimulus and its possible function is discussed.     

An immunohistochemical study of the distribution of ABH antigens in human submandibular glands at the light and electron microscopic levels.

The distribution of blood group antigens ABH in submandibular glands was studied at light and electron microscopy levels by applying ImmunoGold Silver Staining (IGSS) and post-embedding ImmunoGold (IGS) methods, respectively. In IGSS treated samples, a cytoplasmic and a surface form of antigen localization were discernible in the glandular parenchyma. The former was restricted to most mucous cells and to scattered serous cells: A and B antigens were demonstrated in mucous cells of A and B type glands, while H antigen appeared in most mucous and occasional serous elements regardless of the blood type of donors. The latter appeared as a strong H reactivity on cell surfaces of serous acini and ducts regardless of the patient blood type. The IGS method was applied both on non-osmicated samples embedded in LR White resin and on osmicated, Epon embedded samples. In non-osmicated tissues, antigen labelling was revealed in secretory granules and cell surfaces. Positive secretory granules were found in most mucous cells and occasional serous, intercalated, and striated duct cells. A and B antigens weakly reacted in mucous cells of A and B type glands, respectively, while strong H reactivity was seen in mucous, serous, intercalated and striated duct cells of glands of all types. Surfaces labelled with H antigen were found on both lumenal and basolateral membranes of striated ducts in glands of all types. IGS method applied on osmicated, Epon embedded samples, selectively revealed blood group antigens in secretory granules of serous cells but not in the apical vesicles of striated ductal cells. Cell surfaces were completely unreactive.     

Evidence for a frontal-organ homologue in the pineal complex of the salamander,Hynobius dunni

The pineal complex of larval and adult salamanders, Hynobius dunni, was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. This pineal complex displays an anterior and a posterior portion, both of which possess a lumen. The anterior lumen is small and closed, whereas the posterior lumen is in open communication with the third ventricle. Cell processes of the photoreceptor cells and microvilli of the supportive cells are visible in both lumina. The anterior part of the complex is formed by an independent, second evagination from the common pineal anlage; this process takes place immediately after hatching. The anterior body of the pineal complex of H. dunni appears to be homologous to the frontal organ of anurans.     

The anatomy and ultrastructure of the suctorial organ of Solifugae (Arachnida)

Solifugae possess an evertable, adhesive pedipalpal organ (suctorial organ) at the tip of the distal tarsus of each pedipalp that is unique among arachnids. When inverted inside the pedipalp, the suctorial organ is covered with two cuticular lips, a dorsal upper lip and a ventral lower lip, but it can be protruded rapidly in order to facilitate grasping prey or climbing on bushes or even climbing on smooth surfaces due to its remarkable adhesive properties. In this study, the suctorial organs of different species from old world families Galeodidae and Karschiidae and new world families Ammotrechidae and Eremobatidae were investigated by means of light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In all representatives, the suctorial organ is formed by an evertable, cuticular pad with a complex internal stabilizing structure. The procuticle of this pad consists of a lattice-like basal plate and numerous stalked structures connected to this basal plate. The shafts of the stalked structures are regularly organized and ramify apically. The surface of the suctorial organ is constituted of a very thin epicuticle overlaying the ramifying apices forming ridges and furrows on the ventral side of the suctorial organ.     

Ultrastructural Observations on the Larva of Loxosoma pectinaricola Franzén (Entoprocta,Loxosomatidae)

The larva of Loxosoma pectinaricola Franzén has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The embryo develops surrounded by an egg envelope attached to the brood chamber. The newly released larva measures about 100 μm in length and is characterized by a prominent apical organ, stalked vesicles, paired lateral sense organs and a prototroch. The apical organ consists of at least four cell types: (1, 2) two types of ciliated cells, (3) vacuolated cells and (4) myoepithelial cells. The apical organ and frontal ganglion are tightly juxtaposed in the upper tier of the episphere. The stalked vesicles each consisting of two cells are unique evaginations of the epidermis. There are about twenty stalked vesicles with a maximum diameter of about 20.0 μm. The ciliated, knob-shaped, paired lateral sense organs are situated fronto-laterally on the episphere. The prototroch is comprised of a row of contiguous prototroch cells each containing about eighteen long cilia. The apical organ, frontal ganglion and paired lateral sense organs are suggested to be sensory structures that play an important role in active locomotion, settlement site selection and metamorphosis.     

Functional morphology of the pars intermedia of the rat hypophysis as revealed with the electron microscope

Summary The pars intermedia of the hypophysis of normal and experimental rats was studied by electron microscopy. Observations of the hypophysis at various intervals following formalin induced stress or adrenalectomy indicate the existence of a functional relationship between the posterior lobe, the pars intermedia, and the adrenal cortex.Glandular cells of the normal pars intermedia are divided into two types, i. e., the light and dark cells. The former type dominates in number and is characterized by a large amount of cytoplasm filled with clear vesicles 250–350 m in diameter. Dark secretory granules smaller than 300 m are few in number and restricted to the Golgi region.After a single injection of formalin, the clear vesicles of the light cell dimmish and dark secretory granules varying in opacity increase in number. Transition from dark granules to clear vesicles is suggested. Three to five days after adrenalectomy, the light cells contain an abundance of moderately dense vesicles which are smaller than the larger more electron lucent vesicles of the normal light cells. The moderately dense vesicles are about 200 m in diameter and are extremely abundant filling the entire cytoplasm of the light cells 7 days after adrenalectomy.Bundles of unmyelinated nerve fibers are often observed in the pars intermedia, and a typical neuroglandular synapse was found in the pars intermedia of a sham-operated animal suggesting neural control of the secretion process of pars intermedia cells.The author wishes to express his hearty thanks to Dr. K. Kurosumi for his guidance throughout this work.     

Qianlabeo Striatus, a New Genus and Species of Labeoninae from Guizhou Province, China (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Qianlabeo striatus gen. et sp. nov. is described from a stream tributary to the Beipan Jiang of the upper Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) drainage in Matou, Anshun County, Guizhou Province, China. This monotypic genus is mainly characterized by its oromadibular morphology, namely an upper lip only present in and fully adnate to the side of the upper jaw, not covered by the pendulous rostral fold; the median portion of the upper jaw lacking an upper lip but bearing a thin, flexible and cornified cutting edge that is fully covered by the pendulous rostral fold; a postlabial groove prolonged, extended anteromedially close to the anteromost point of the midline of the lower lip but not to meet with its counterpart. The type species of this genus, Q. striatus has a longitudinal dark stripe along the side of the body.     

Immunocytochemical localization of pheromone-binding protein in moth antennae

Summary Odorant-binding proteins are supposed to play an important role in stimulus transport and/or inactivation in olfactory sense organs. In an attempt to precisely localize pheromone-binding protein in the antenna of moths, post-embedding immunocytochemistry was performed using an antiserum against purified pheromone-binding protein of Antheraea polyphemus. In immunoblots of antennal homogenates, the antiserum reacted exclusively with pheromone-binding protein of A. polyphemus, and cross-reacted with homologous proteins of Bombyx mori and Autographa gamma. On sections of antennae of male A. polyphemus and B. mori, exclusively the pheromone-sensitive sensilla trichodea are labelled; in A. gamma, label is restricted to a subpopulation of morphologically similar sensilla trichodea, which indicates that not all pheromone-sensitive sensilla contain the same type of pheromone-binding protein and accounts for a higher specificity of pheromone-binding protein than hitherto assumed. Within the sensilla trichodea, the extracellular sensillum lymph of the hair lumen and of the sensillum-lymph cavities is heavily labelled. Intracellular label is mainly found in the trichogen and tormogen cells: in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and a variety of dense granules. Endocytotic pits and vesicles, multivesicular bodies and lysosome-like structures are also labelled and can be observed not only in these cells, but also in the thcogen cell and in the receptor cells. Cell membranes are not labelled except the border between thecogen cell and receptor cell and the autojunction of the thecogen cell. The intracellular distribution of label indicates that pheromone-binding protein is synthesized in the tormogen and trichogen cell along typical pathways of protein secretion, whereas its turnover and decomposition does not appear to be restricted to these cells but may also occur in the thecogen and receptor cells. The immunocytochemical findings are discussed with respect to current concepts of the function of pheromone-binding protein.     

The structure and function of the tusks of babirusa

An examination of twenty-four male babirusa skulls indicates that the long tusks have an important function in intraspecific fighting. The upper tusks have developed a shielding, protective function whilst the lower tusks are offensive and daggerlike. As the upper tusks do not hone the lower canines as in other suids, the babirusa male actively sharpens his lower tusks on trees. Wear patterns on the tusks suggest that mainland babirusa use the upper tusks to interlock and hold their opponents' lower tusks during combat. In the Buru race this hooking function appears to have been lost and the upper tusks have a butting function instead.     

Morphology of the pineal organ in the salamander Ensatina eschscholtzi

The pineal organ of Ensatina eschscholtzi, a terrestrial and secretive species of salamander of the family Plethodontidae, is a photoreceptive structure lying on the dorsal surface of the diencephalon. The pineal is flattened with a broad lumen and consists of three cell types: photoreceptors, supportive cells, and neurons. Pineal photoreceptors are typical vertebrate photoreceptors and possess outer segment formations which, however, are frequently contorted and disorganized. Sloughing of apical portions of outer segments and vesiculation along the lateral edges of outer segment membrane disks are consistently observed and presumed to represent mechanisms of outer segment membrane recycling. Photoreceptors have basal processes which synapse with neural dendrites. Synapses between photoreceptor basal processes are occasionally observed. All synapses are characterized by synaptic ribbon structures of variable number, size, and configuration. Dense-core vesicles are occasionally observed mingled with clear synaptic vesicles within photoreceptor basal processes. Supportive cells within the pineal function in phagocytosis and recycling of shed outer segment membrane material, and neurons are localized at the lateral margins of the organ. The latter send axons into the ipsilateral side of the dorsal diencephalon. The pineal organ of Ensatina shows marked variation in overall size (cell total), cell type proportions, absolute neuron number, and ratio of photoreceptor number to neuron number for individual pineals. None of these morphological parameters is correlated with body size, sex, or season, and it is assumed that such variability represents significant variation in photosensory capabilities. It is suggested that the pineal organ of Ensatina is a partially degenerate photoreceptive structure.     

Ultrastructure of the type “B” cells in the rectal pad epithelium of Locusta migratoria

The electron microscopical structure of the type “B” cells in the rectal pad epithelium of Locusta is described. The type “B” cells occur singly in the distal region of the rectal pad epithelium. They are characteristically goblet shaped and join with contiguous type “A” or rectal pad cells, near the apical surface by means of a restricted region of septate desmosomes. Type “B” cells possess a microvillate apical membrane, with the villi arranged as a rosette overlying the apical inaginations of adjacent type “A” cells. Large numbers of microtubules and vacuoles of various sizes containing an assortment of inclusions are present in the apical region of the type “B” cells. Many of the microtubules insert distally on hemidesmosomes located in the apical plasma membrane. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are also present but neither are abundant. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.