Tegument and apical end organ fine structure in the metacestode and adult Proteocephalus ambloplitis

The tegument of plerocercoid and adult P. ambloplitis was examined. Differences in tegument structure existed between these two stages. Plerocercoids of P. ambloplitis lacked extensive vacuolization and unicellular gland cells characteristic of adult tegument. Plerocercoid microtriches were short and conoid; adult microtriches were lenticular with an extended, whip-like shaft. An inclusion, not previously reported from proteocephalid cestodes, is described. Adult tegument had ducts, originating from underlying unicellular glands, extending through the distal cytoplasm and opening to the exterior between microtriches.

The apical end organ cavity of P. ambloplitis contained numerous labyrinth-like spherical bodies. These structures appeared to be synthesized and secreted into the end organ by a thin cellular lining of the end organ. This lining was composed of discrete, filamentous cells believed to be modified subtegumental cell bodies. Spherical structures identical to those observed within the end organ cavity occurred within this cellular lining. The spherical bodies may be associated with enzymes necessary for tissue migration by the metacestode.     

Oxidative enzymes in the plerocercoids of Schistocephalus solidus (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea)

The activities of phenolase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as the levels of lipid peroxides, were measured in plerocercoids of S. solidus taken from the body cavity of the fish (unactivated) and in plerocercoids which had been cultured in vitro, either under air, or under 95% N₂, 5% CO₂. When cultured anaerobically, the activities of phenolase, peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase all increased dramatically. Aerobically, only phenolase activity increased. Lipid peroxide levels and superoxide dismutase activity was similar at all stages and catalase could not be detected. It is suggested that the increased activity of oxidative enzymes in anaerobically cultured worms is an attempt to compensate for the reduced environmental pO₂.     

Lipid catabolism in the plerocercoids of Schistocephalus solidus (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea)

All of the enzymes of the β-oxidation sequence have been demonstrated in the plerocercoids ofS. solidus. However, the plerocercoids could not oxidize exogenous [¹⁴C-U-]palmitate although labelled palmitate was readily taken up and encorporated into the neutral and phospholipid fractions. This suggests that despite the presence of all of the enzymes of β-oxidation, the pathway is not functional in S. solidus plerocercoids; possible roles of the β-oxidation enzymes in the metabolism of S. solidus are discussed.     

Lectin histochemistry of the human fetal subcommissural organ

The subcommissural organ (SCO) of 7 human fetuses, 3 to 6.5 months old, was investigated by means of: (i) immunocytochemistry employing three different antisera against secretory products extracted from the bovine SCO and Reissner's fiber; (ii) lectin binding using concanavalin A (Con A; affinity: mannose, glucose), wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA; affinity: N-acetyl-glucosamine, sialic acid), and Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA; affinity: sialic acid). Sections of bovine SCO were processed simultaneously and examined for comparative purposes. The human fetal SCO displayed lectin-binding properties identical to those in the SCO of other mammals. Thus, Con A-binding sites were restricted to abundant supranuclear structures that most likely corresponded to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, but were missing from granules located in the apical cytoplasm. The latter secretory material was strongly WGA- and LFA-positive and formed a distinct zone in the most apical portion of the ependymal cells. In contrast, this type of reactivity was missing in the adjacent cells of ependyma proper. In the bovine SCO, LFA-positive granules were also aggregated in an apical layer. The secretory material in the bovine SCO, especially its apical granular component, was strongly immunoreactive with the three antisera used; the human fetal SCO, however, lacked this immunoreactivity. It is postulated that the SCO of human fetuses secretes glycoproteins with a carbohydrate chain similar to--and a protein backbone different from--the secretions elaborated by the SCO of other vertebrate species.     

The histological structure and histochemistry of the mucosa of the nasal conchae in geese,Anser anser

We investigated the histological structure and histochemistry of the nasal conchae of geese and compared these structures with those of other avian species. The rostral, middle and caudal conchae were dissected from the nasal cavity of eight geese, fixed in Carnoy’s solution and embedded in paraffin. The entrance of the rostral concha was lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which toward the middle concha was replaced by modified keratinized squamous epithelium, the deep layer of which opened into tubular glandular structures containing secretory epithelium on crypt-like invaginations. The lamina propria of the rostral concha contained numerous Grandry’s and Herbst corpuscles, which are pressure-sensitive receptors peculiar to waterfowl. The lamina propria of the middle concha contained solitary lymphoid follicles and lymphocyte infiltrations. The cartilaginous component of the middle concha was highly convoluted and resembled a spiral of two and a half scrolls, which were lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. We observed that unlike mammals, this epithelium contained mostly intraepithelial alveolar glands rather than goblet cells. The caudal concha was similar to the middle concha, but less convoluted. It was lined by olfactory epithelium and its lamina propria contained serous Bowman’s glands as well as olfactory nerve fibers. Histochemical examination demonstrated that while none of the conchae contained sulfated mucins, except for the cartilage, the intraepithelial glands of the rostral and middle conchae contained mostly carboxylated acidic mucin and some neutral mucin, and were thus of the mixed type. The outermost scroll of the spiral of the middle concha contained some periodate-Schiff stained mucins. Of the glands of the mucosa of the middle concha, the deep tubuloalveolar glands in the convex parts of the scrolls contained primarily acidic mucins, while the shallow intraepithelial alveolar glands in the concave parts of the scrolls contained primarily neutral mucins. Our findings indicate that the rostral and caudal conchae primarily have a sensory function and the middle concha participates in mucosal defense.     

Anatomy,histology, and histochemistry of the olfactory organ of the Korean shuttles mudskipper Periophthalmus modestus

The Korean shuttles mudskipper Periophthalmus modestus has paired olfactory organs on its snout, consisting of anterior and posterior nostrils, a single olfactory canal with sensory and nonsensory epithelia, and a single accessory nasal sac. Its sensory epithelium consists of numerous islets forming a pseudostratified layer and contains various cells: olfactory receptor neurons, supporting cells, basal cells, lymphatic cells (LCs), and axon bundles. The sensory epithelium is a stratified squamous layer comprising stratified epithelial cells, mucous cells (MCs) with glycogen, flattened cells (FCs), LCs, and unidentified cells. Specific structures are as follows: (a) a tubular anterior nostril projecting outward, (b) a slit posterior nostril, (c) an elongated olfactory canal, (d) an ethmoidal accessory nasal sac, (e) axon bundles found only in the basal layer of the sensory epithelium, (f) FCs only at the top of the nonsensory epithelium, and (g) glycogen-containing MCs. Such structures seem to be unique in that they have not been observed in most teleost fishes spending their whole life in water.     

Light and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry and lectin histochemistry of the subcommissural organ: Evidence for processing of the secretory material

Summary The subcommissural organ (SCO) of the rat was investigated by use of histochemical and immunocytochemical methods at the light and electron-microscopic levels. Consecutive thin methacrylate sections were stained with the pseudoisocyanin (Psi), immunoperoxidase (IMC; employing an antiserum against Reissner's fiber, AFRU), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and periodic acid-silver methenamine (SM) techniques, and reacted with six types of lectins. Psi, SM, concanavalin A (Con A) and IMC were also used for double and triple sequential staining of the same section. Increasing dilutions of AFRU (from 11000 to 1200 000) were used for immunostaining of serial paraffin sections. In addition, ultrastructural localization of (i) Con A-binding sites and (ii) immunoreactive secretory material was performed. Some of these procedures were also applied to the ophidian and canine SCO.Con A-positive, Psi-positive and immunoreactive materials coexisted within the same cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus lacked Con A-positive and immunoreactive substances. Apical secretory granules and secreted material lying on the surface of the SCO showed (i) the highest affinity for AFRU, but were (ii) Con A-negative, and (iii) wheat-germ agglutinin-, PAS and SM-positive. Reissner's fiber displayed a low affinity for AFRU.It is suggested that the SCO secretes N-linked glycoproteins, the carbohydrate and protein moeities of which undergo (i) a maturation process before being released, and (ii) some kind of modification(s) after their release into the ventricle. The perivascular secretory cells of the dog SCO might secrete a material different from that secreted by the ependymal cells.Supported by Grant I/38 259 from the Stiftung Volkswagenwerk, Federal Republic of Germany, and Grant RS-82-18 from the Direction de Investigaciones, Universidad Austral de Chile. The authors wish to thank Mrs. Elizabeth Santibáñez, Mr. Genaro Alvial and Mr. Luis Delannoy (Valdivia), and Mrs. Ragnhild Momberger (Giessen) for valuable technical cooperation     

Ripe pollen structure and histochemistry of some gymnosperms

Some aspects of pollen cytology at dispersal were studied in 12 species of gymnosperms. The pollen grains differed in: 1. volume and cell number; 2. polarization of external structure and internal cell components; 3. wall thickness, especially of the intine, and the resulting percentage of cell volume with respect to total pollen grain volume; 4. stratification and chemical nature of the various intine layers; 5. nature and location of polysaccharide reserves; 6. morphological differences between the dry and hydrated states and phenomena related to hydration; 7. presence and site of orbicles. The various characters are compared and discussed in relation to the length of the reproductive cycle and the relations between the male gametophyte and its female counterpart.     

Ultrastructure of the Z organ in Xiphinema ifacolum

Bieve-Zacheo T., Zacheo G. and Lamberti F. 1985. Ultrastructure of the Z organ in Xiphinema ifacolum. International Journal for Parasitology15: 453–461. The uterus in Xiphinema ifacolum can be divided into uterus proper, a 77 μm long tube and a lemon-shaped Z organ, about 28 μm long and 18 μm wide, placed between the oviduct and the uterus proper. The Z organ consists of a thick outer muscular layer of 120 cells, arranged in 20 rings of six cells each and a thin inner epithelium layer, lining the lumen. The epithelial cell walls, lining the lumen of the Z organ are thicker than those lining the uterus proper and are strongly folded. The crests of some of these folds carry six large apophyses, all about the same size and shape, these occupy the full length of the organ, becoming thicker towards the center of the lumen. There are many tubules near the surfaces of the apophyses, the contents of which can be dissolved by treatment with pepsin and pronase, indicating that they are proteins. This material probably consists of secretions which are squeezed out of the apophyses by a passing egg and may function in the formation or hardening of the egg shell.     

Observations on morphology and hydrolytic enzyme histochemistry of excysted metacercariae of Himasthla rhigedana (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

The morphology of in vitro excysted metacercariae of Himasthia rhigedana was studied by light microscopy, enzyme histochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The body surface is covered with longitudinal rows of pointed spines which extend from the anterior end to just below the acetabulum. Histochemical methods for acid and alkaline phosphatases, β-glucoronidasc, leucine aminopeplidase, nonspecific esterase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholincsterase, chymotrypsin-like protease, α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase were applied to the excysted metacercariae. Certain systems of the metacercaria containing these enzymes showed positive reactions to the appropriate methods and were selectively visualized. Reactions for alkaline phosphatase occur throughout most of the excretory system while acid phosphatase occurs in the gut, oral, and ventral suckers. Reactions for nonspecific esterases and cholinesterascs are found throughout the nervous system, in the gut, and in the oral and ventral suckers. The results of including specific inhibitors or activators in the incubation medium after preineubation m 10^?5m diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (E-600) suggested that A-and C-typc esterases are present in the gut. Inclusion of 10^?4m eserine in the incubation medium abolished cholinesterase activity in the nervous system.     

Kinetics of cation-induced aggregation of Torpedo electric organ synaptic vesicles

Synaptic vesicles from the Torpedo ray can be induced to aggregate in the presence of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ in the 4 mM and 50 mM range, respectively. The reactions are strikingly similar to those of chromaffin granule membranes reported previously (Morris, S.J., Chiu, V.C.K. and Haynes, D.H. (1979) Membrane Biochem. 2, 163–202). The Ca²⁺-induced reaction includes dimerization and higher order aggregation, and is shown to be due to electrostatic screening interactions and binding to negatively-charged groups on the membrane surface. The K⁺-induced reaction includes only dimerization and is shown to be due to screening interactions alone.The kinetics of the dimerization reactions were studied using the stopped-flow rapid mixing technique. The Ca²⁺-induced reaction has a ‘bimolecular’ rate constant of 4.77 · 10⁸ M^?1 · s^?1 while the value for the K⁺-induced reaction is 7.05 · 10⁹ M^?1 · s^?1. These values are close to the limit of diffusion control (8.03 · 10⁹ M^?1 · s^?1), indicating that no large energy barriers or structural barriers to aggregation exist. Arrhenius plots for the Ca²⁺-induced aggregation showed a break at 5°C. Above this temperature, the activation energy is low ($\text{+0.65}\text{kcal/mol}$), consistent with the above. Below this temperature, the activation energy is high, consistent with a membrane structure change increasing the energetic and structural barriers. This information, and the observation of a high stability constant of the complex, were taken as evidence for the involvement of ‘recognition sites’ on the membrane surface.     

New insights in the male anatomy,spermatophore formation,and sperm structure in Atyidae: The red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi

This study aims to analyze the functional anatomy of the male reproductive system in Neocaridina davidi, a very popular ornamental species of caridean shrimp. Mature males were cold‐anaesthetized and their reproductive systems were dissected for histological and histochemical analysis, while the spermatozoa and spermatophore wall ultrastructure were analyzed under transmission electron microscopy. The male reproductive system consisted of two coiled testes, which were continuous with the vasa deferentia. Testes were positioned on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax above the hepatopancreas, and comprised seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurred. Each vas deferens (VD) was a long tube dorsolaterally positioned with respect to the hepatopancreas, and increased in diameter at the distal end. Three regions could be recognized in the VD: proximal, middle, and distal. The proximal region had a cylindrical epithelium with secretory cells. The middle region (or typhlosole) had a dorsal fold (or typhlosole) with a thick columnar epithelium and high secretory activity. The spermatophore was a continuous cord with three acellular layers, which were mainly characterized by the presence of neutral glycoconjugates and proteins. The sperm morphology was distinct from the inverted cup‐shaped spermatozoa observed in the majority of caridean shrimps. The spermatozoa in specimens of N. davidi were spherical in shape, with a cross‐striated, single, short spike, and arranged in clusters of three or four sperm cells. The composition of the spermatophore, and the arrangement and form of the spermatozoa, seem to be unique in comparison to other species of Caridea.     

Sequential changes in salivary gland structure during attachment and feeding of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

A study of the morphology and histochemistry of the salivary glands of the parasitic stages of Boophilus microplus has been made, glands of feeding females being studied in greatest detail. Of 9 granular cell types present in the female and 10 in the male, 3 probably secrete attachment cement and 4 others glycoproteins and enzymes, possible functions of which are discussed. Two cell types, c₄ and g (the latter being present only in males) are of unknown function. The most likely functions of non-granular epithelial cells and those forming acinus I are in osmoregulation.     

Apical junctions and growth control in Drosophila

Recent studies have revealed unexpected links between cell polarity and proliferation, suggesting that the polarized organization of cells is necessary to regulate growth. Drosophila melanogaster is a genetically simple model that is especially suited for the study of polarity and growth control, as polarized tissues undergo a well-defined pattern of proliferation and differentiation during the development. In addition, genetic studies have identified a number of tumor suppressor genes, which later studies have shown to be associated with junctions, or in the regulation of junctional proteins. We will explore in this review the links between growth and apical junction proteins in the regulation of growth control in Drosophila.     

The structure and properties of an abdominal chordotonal organ in Carausius morosus and Blaberus discoidalis

Each side of the abdominal segments of the stick insect Carausius morosus contains a chordotonal organ lying longitudinally in a ventro-lateral position. These ventro-lateral chordotonal organs each possess two nerve cell bodies and two scolopales. There is a single attachment strand to the cuticle.Electrical recordings from the receptors show that they respond in a highly phasic manner to both stretching and subsequent relaxation of the attachment strand. They are sensitive to substrate vibration but are activated by ventilatory movements. The effects of ramp and square wave stimulation are examined. The rôle of the ventro-lateral chordotonal organs as ventilatory receptors is discussed and abdominal chordotonal organs of insects in general are reviewed.The ‘ventral phasic receptors’ of the cockroach are re-examined and shown to be chordotonal organs. They are re-named ‘mid-ventral’ chordotonal organs.     

Hymenolepis microstoma: Correlation of histopathological host response and organ hypertrophy

The histological host response of female CF-1 mice to Hymenolepis microstoma involves dramatic changes in the host's bile duct and liver. These changes are similar to those described by previous investigators using different strains of mice. The histological changes which occur in bile duct and liver tissues of female CF-1 mice are accompanied by a significant hypertrophy of these organs; the wet weights of the bile duct and liver increase almost 2000 and 50%, respectively, in infected mice. No significant histopathological changes are found in the spleen or small intestine tissues of infected mice, yet the wet weight of both of these organs increases almost 100%. The magnitude of the histopathological changes which occur in the bile duct could possibly account for the increase in wet weight, i.e., there is significant fibrosis, but the histological changes in the liver, spleen, and small intestine do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to account for the increases in wet weight.     

距药姜种子解剖学和组织化学研究

距药姜种子解剖学和组织化学研究表明,种子包括种皮、外胚乳、内胚乳和胚。外皮由1层表皮细胞构成,细胞壁纤维素质且明显增厚,中种皮可分为1层细胞的下皮层、半透明细胞层和2-4层细胞的色素细胞层,下皮层和色素细胞层的细胞内充满棕红色色素;内种皮由1层砖形薄壁细胞构成。珠孔区有珠孔领和孔盖的分化,但珠孔领分化不完善。合点区内种皮出现缺口,缺口间充满合点区色素细胞,其整体轮廓成新月形。外胚乳细胞壁平直,细胞内充满淀粉。内胚乳可分为多细胞区简细胞区两部分,内胚乳细胞界限不清,内含物主要是蛋白质,胚少有分化,含脂类、蛋白质、多糖,另外,还对姜花族的种子解剖学特征进行了初步的系统学分析。     

茴香砂仁种子的解剖学和组织化学研究

茴香砂仁种子的假种皮膜质,由内、外表皮及其间的数层薄壁细胞构成,种皮黑褐色,由外种皮、中种皮和内种皮组成,外种皮为1层表皮细胞;中种皮由1层细胞的下皮层,1层细胞的半透明细胞层、3-4层薄壁细胞的中种皮薄壁细胞层和1层细胞的色素细胞层组成,内种皮由1层径向延长的细胞构成,内切向壁与部分径向壁非常增厚,种子珠区分化出珠孔领,孔盖和珠孔区薄壁细胞,合点区内种皮出现缺口,缺口间的合点区色素细胞群整体轮廓呈刺叭状,珠孔端的则为1层细胞,细胞内含蛋白质、多糖、脂类物质,胚含量脂类物质,还含有蛋白质与多糖。     

Schistocephalus solidus and Ligula intestinalis: Pinocytosis by the tegument

Using ruthenium red as a macromolecule, endocytosis was demonstrated in the plerocercoid of Ligula intestinalis and adult Schistocephalus solidus. Uptake, transport across the tegument, and exocytosis across the basal plasma membrane occurred within 6 min. The types of vesicles in the tegument of L. intestinalis are redescribed and their former classification is modified. The vertical and longitudinal distribution of pinosomes in the tegument of adult S. solidus and L. intestinalis plerocercoids were determined. The possible role of macromolecular uptake in the economy of pseudophyllidean tapeworms is discussed with particular reference to growth and defence of an unencysted larval stage in the tissues of the intermediate host.     

Infectivity of a microsporidium of mosquitoes (Nosema algerae) to larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata

Lai P. F. and Canning E. U. 1980. Infectivity of a microsporidium of mosquitoes (Nosema algerae) to larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata. International Journal for Parasitology10: 293–301. Nosema algerae derived from a closed colony of Anopheles stephensi was fed to Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Mother and daughter sporocysts became hyperinfected but the snail tissues remained free of the microsporidia except for rare small aggregates of spores. These lay close to the sites occupied by mother or daughter sporocysts and were probably liberated from them. Irrespective of dose, fewer snails contained infected sporocysts when spores were given at 7 days post-miracidial infection than when given at 14 days. These periods corresponded respectively to stages when mother sporocysts only or daughter sporocysts as well were present in the snails. Infection of the sporocysts began in the tegumental cells, spread to the brood chamber and ultimately to the cercariae themselves. Heavily infected sporocysts contained fewer developing embryos. Doses of 10⁶ and 10⁷ spores/snail caused significant depression of cercaria output when given at 14 days but not at 7 days.