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.     

Histology and ultrastructure of the glands associated with the porose areas on the gnathosoma ofRhipicephalus evertsi evertsi before and during oviposition

Histological and electronmicroscopical studies have shown that the subcuticular tissue associated with the porose areas of femaleRhipicephalus evertsi evertsi consists of paired multicellular, alveolar and lobularly arranged glands. At least two types of cells are clearly distinguishable, according with their location. Proximally, in direct association with the pores, cells with small and long nuclei are present. These cells are aligned along large, elongated lumina containing numerous microvilli and extend deep into the cuticular pores. They are separated from the extraintegumental space by cuticular valves. The distal gland sections are characterized by cells with large nuclei which are mostly arranged in the form of rosettes. These cells, which function as secretory cells, contain many mitochondria, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum and membrane-lined vesicles. The glands are always present in female ticks and their dorso-ventral extension increases continuously with feeding, reaching a maximum depth during oviposition.     

Distribution and development of rodlet cells in the gills and pseudobranch of the bass, Dicentrachus labrax (L)

Rodlet cells in various stages of development were found in large numbers in the bass gill and pseudobranch. In the gill, rodlet cells were found in the epithelium at the base of the secondary lamellae and on the filament between adjacent lamellae, whilst in the pseudobranch they were found over the whole area of the secondary lamellae as well as in the filament epithelium.
During early development, rodlet cells are characterised by their amorphous cell inclusions, prominent supranuclear Golgi complex and network of granular endoplasmic reticulum. Later, with formation of a fibrous border the arrangement of the cell organelles undergoes reorganisation; the endoplasmic reticulum becomes distended, numerous vesicles appear and the mitochondria aggregate in the apical region of the cell. One of the most striking features is the development of club-shaped sacs containing electron dense cores, which are orientated towards the open apex of the cell.
Various staining properties of rodlet cells for light and electron microscopy were compared with those of mucous cells found in the same tissues. Possible functions of the cell are discussed.     

Postnatal changes in the ultrastructure of the rat olfactory epithelium: the supranuclear region of the supporting cells

Summary The present electron-microscopical study reports ultrastructural changes occurring in the supranuclear region of the supporting cells of the rat olfactory epithelium during the first 16 days of postnatal life. These changes are concerned with the enclosure of receptor cell dendrites and an increase in the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which has a specific distribution in the supporting cell. An increase in microvillous projections at the free cell surface is also observed. Moreover, this report demonstrates that the cytoarchitecture of the apical portion of the olfactory epithelium at the 16th day of postnatal life is similar, with respect to the relationship between supporting cells and receptor cell dendrites, to that of adult animals.     

Fine structure of the female sex pheromone-producing glands in Sesamia nonagrioides lef. (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

The morphology and cytology of the female sex pheromone-producing glands of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) consist of modified intersegmental membranes; they are unusual compared with those described in other moths. There are 2 different glandular areas (a ventral area, GI, around the ostium bursae and a ring-shaped area, GII, around the ovipositor), instead of a single area (between segments 8 and 9 + 10) as in most other species. Ultrastructural features, such as developed basal invaginations and dilated intercellular spaces indicate transport of material from the hemolymph to the glandular cells, while the presence of abundant mitochondria, numerous free ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and inclusions reveal high cellular activity. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is absent in S. nonagrioides, in contrast to its extensive development in glands producing similar compounds in other moths. The cuticle, abnormally thick (7–8 times thicker than the glandular epithelium), is traversed by dilated pore canals forming cuticular gaps, connected with epicuticular canals. This system allows the storage and the passage of pheromone in and through the cuticle.     

Ultrastructure of cell types of the olfactory epithelium in a catfish,Heteropneustesfossilis (Bloch)

Transmission electron microscopical study of olfactory epithelium of a mud-dwelling catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) shows receptor, supporting, goblet and basal cells. The receptor cells are of ciliated and microvillous type. Both ciliated and microvillous receptor cells are provided with olfactory knob. The dendrite of all the receptor cells bears many longitudinally arranged microtubules. Occurrence of the rod cell and its function is quite debatable. Specialized juctional complexes between the receptor and adjacent cells are clearly noted. The supporting cells are both ciliated and nonciliated. The ciliated supporting cells are responsible for water ventilation in the olfactory chamber as well as in the inter-lamellar spaces. This facilitates better perception of odours by the receptor cells. In addition to providing mechanical support to other cells, the nonciliated supporting cells also have a secretory function which is evident from the present study. The different stages of maturity of goblet cells are well documented. The presence of white cells in the olfactory epithelium is a very rare finding.     

Annulate lamellae in hindgut epithelial cells ofIsopoda

Summary Hindgut epithelial cells of the aquatic isopod,Asellus communis, and the terrestrial isopod,Armadillidium vulgare, possess annulate lamellae. The organelle is present in non-dividing cells of intermolt adult organisms. The lamellae exhibit dense pore areas traversed by diaphragms, and the lamellae are associated with elements of endoplasmic reticulum.This research was supported in part by a grant to E. R. Witkus from the Irene Heinz and John La Porte Given Foundation.     

The ultrastructure of the posterior midgut caecum of Pachygrapsus crassipes (Decapoda, Brachyura) adapted to low salinity

The effects of salinity adaptation and of composition and tonicity of fixatives upon the ultrastructure of the posterior midgut caecum (PMC) of Pachygrapsus crassipes have been studied. The PMC epithelium consists of a single layer of columnar cells with a microvillous border. The apical cytoplasm contains numerous mitochondria, lysosomes, and much smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are situated in the perinuclear cytoplasm. This epithelium resembles other transporting epithelia in that the basal cytoplasm has an extensive system of branched tubules formed from invaginations of the lateral and basal plasma membrane. Numerous mitochondria are associated with the basal tubular system. To determine the possible contribution of the PMC to the osmoregulatory ability of Pachygrapsus, the ultrastructure of the PMC from animals adapted to 40, 50, 100 and 150% sea water was investigated. Enlargement of basal tubules and intercellular spaces at low salinity, suggestive of fluid-transport activity, was found to be an artifact of fixation. The most consistent response when animals were acclimated to dilute salinities was that some basal mitochondria assume a more complex shape, usually appearing as rings in cross sections of the caecum. A hypothesis concerning the functional significance of these mitochondria is proposed.     

Unusual intracytoplasmic lamellar bodies in a malignant gonadal stromal tumor

Characteristic intracytoplasmic lamellar bodies were found in a malignant gonadal stromal tumor. These bodies consisted of the stacks of up to 200 tubular cisternae arranged in parallel. Each cisterna had a circular section in tangential view and a diameter of about 85 nm. The cisternae on the outermost side of these lamellar bodies tended to be dilated and adorned with ribosomes. The ends of cisternae were often contiguous with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The latter feature is also seen in annulate lamellae, but periodically spaced annuli or discontinuities characteristic of annulate lamellae were never observed. Furthermore, fine ribosomal granules resembling a rosary were recognizable along the whole circumference of the outer surface of each cisterna. The unique structure we describe is a cytoplasmic organelle which, like annulate lamellae, is closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and is presumed to be related to the genesis of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells.     

Fine structural features of developing leg discs of the blowfly,Sarcophaga bullata (Parker)

The mesothoracic leg discs of the blowfly, Sarcophaga bullata (Parker) were studied by electron microscopy during the third larval instar. As the peripodial membrane and separation form, the cells of the disc become elongated and perpendicularly oriented toward the separation. The cellular organelles do not undergo significant changes until the late third instar. At this time, there is a significant increase in the amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum and in the number of inclusions, particularly in those cells located more deeply in the disc. Nucleolar enlargement and an increase in the number of mitochondria are also observed at this time. The cells at the border of the disc form a columnar epithelium whose surface develops microvilli-like projections. These projections. These projections reach their maximum development towards the end of third instar. It is suggested that some of the observed changes may represent a phenotypic expression of secretion of cuticular material.     

The fine structural organization of sensory nerve endings in the lip of Helix pomatia L.

The fine structural and cytochemical characteristics of sensory nerve cells have been studied in the lip of Helix pomatia. A ruthenium red positive cuticular layer was found on the surface of the sensory epithelium. Among the undifferentiated epithelial cells two types of sensory dendrites were observed, namely ciliated and non-ciliated ones. A large amount of smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, microtubes and ribosomes were present in the neuroplasm of the sensory dendrites. However, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and electrodense bundles of long filaments were characteristic in the simple epithelial cells. The cell bodies of the sensory dendrites lie subepithelially among the muscle cells and they generally contain empty or dense core vesicles.     

Electron microscopic structure of the cephalic gland of the bee Andrena variabilis Smith (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

The structure of the glandular tissue located beneath the eye sulcus in Andrena variabilis Smith was studied by means of light and electron microscopy. The glandular tissue was found to be constituted of single-layered, high cylindrical epithelial cells. Electron microscopy revealed strong foldings of the cell membrane on the basal pole of the gland cells. Next to the basal lamina, nerve fibres were found with great frequency. The central, perinuclear zone of the gland cells was rich in cell organelles. The lamellae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (rer) were mostly observed near the nuclear membrane. The vesicles and tubules of the smooth-surface endoplasmic reticulum (ser) were found to be congregated in contiguous compact regions. A well-developed and complicated canalicular system was enclosed between the rer and ser compartments, presumably serving as a passage for the secretory products. Membrane-bound electron-dense granules (secretory granules) were also a characteristic finding in the ser. In a small proportion of the gland cells, strong vacuolization indicated the degradation processes. From the light and electron microscopic characteristics of the gland cells, the existence of pheromone-producing secretory activity of exocrine type in the cephalic gland is presumed.     

Annulate lamellae in plant cells: Formation during microsporogenesis and pollen development in Canna generalis Bailey

Summary The occurrence of stacked annulate lamellae is documented for a plant cell system, namely for pollen mother cells and developing pollen grains of Canna generalis. Their structural subarchitecture and relationship to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope cisternae is described in detail. The results demonstrate structural homology between plant and animal annulate lamellae and are compatible with, though do not prove, the view that annulate lamellar cisternae may originate as a degenerative form of endoplasmic reticulum.     

Functional Morphology of the Olfactory Organs in the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias L.) and the Small-spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula (L.))

The morphology of the olfactory organs in two sharks, the spiny dogfish and the small-spotted catshark, was studied by light microscopy and electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). The olfactory epithelium is arranged on olfactory lamellae which are provided with secondary folds. The epithelium mainly consists of microvillous receptor cells, multiciliated supporting cells and basal cells. The find of only one type of receptor cells, the microvillous type, is discussed and the condition considered a derived (apomorphic) character. The route of the water current through the olfactory organ and the different driving forces of the ventilation process are subject to discussion. In both the pelagic dogfish and the bottom-dwelling catshark the pressure difference between the incurrent and excurrent nostrils achieved by active swimming appears to be the driving force, whereas the role of the beating of the non-sensory cilia is not evident. In the bottom-dwelling catshark the ventilation of the olfactory organ is also supported by the respiratory activity.     

Annulate lamellae in human tumor cells.

Annulate lamellae have been found in a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, a metastatic cerebellar tumor, a testicular seminoma, a retinoblastoma and three melanomas. These annulate lamellae are arranged in stacked parallel arrays in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The number of annulate lamellae observed to comprise a single stack varies from 2--4 in the seminoma tumor to 5--18 in the cerebellar tumor. Although the functional significance of annulate lamallae is still unknown, in many instances they have been found to be continuous with rough-surfaced cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes have been demonstrated on the surface of annulate lamellae. This may suggest that annulate lamellae participate in protein synthesis.     

The epidermal glands of Nereis

Summary Three types of unicellular glands have been identified from the parapodial epithelium of Nereis. They conform to a common plan. The cell body, which lies at the base of the epithelium, has prominent rough-faced endoplasmic reticulum and golgi. It sends a long intra-cellular duct to the cuticle where it opens through a pore lined by the epicuticle. The end of the duct in two of the glands bears a ring of microvilli. The duct of the type-6 gland is lined by cytoplasm containing elongated mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum arranged in an alternating fashion. Each of these organelles is surrounded by an array of longitudionally orientated microtubules. The secretions are contained in membrane bound vesicles. In the type-4 cells the contents are homogeneous, whilst the other two contain distinctive electron-dense granules. The type-4 secretions are PAS negative and alcianophilic, the type-5 secretions are PAS positive and non-alcianophilic whilst the type-6 secretions have a strong affinity for Orange G.This work was supported by a grant from the Science Research Council.     

Organization of the olfactory system of the Indian major carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Labeo rohita</Emphasis> (Ham.): A scanning and transmission electron microscopy study

Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala represent important alimentary fish in India. Their reproduction/breeding depends on seasons. Fish perceive external factors-stimuli and chemical signals through the olfactory system that plays the key role in central regulation of reproduction. However, no electron microscopy data are available on organization of olfactory components of these fish. We studied organization of the olfactory organ in male L. rohita using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This organ consists of olfactory epithelium, a short nerve, and olfactory bulb. The olfactory organ is ovoid in shape and consists of about 47–52 lamellae in adults and about 14–20 lamellae in fingerlings. These lamellae originate from the midline raphe. By SEM, microvillar sensory and ciliated non-sensory cells were observed in the lamellae. TEM revealed microvillar receptor cell with rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus towards apical end. Basal cells were present at the base of receptor cell, supporting cells were located adjacent to the olfactory receptor neurons, while epithelial cells—in the nonsensory part of olfactory epithelium. Mast, blastema, and macrophage cells were also found at the basement membrane. This work is the first publication on ultrastructural organization of the olfactory system of the Indian major carp, which provides information about morphological and ultrastructural organization of the olfactory system and opens new avenues for further investigation of chemical neuroanatomy, sensory signal processing, and neural regulation of reproduction in the Indian major carp.     

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.     

Stichosome ultrastructure of the fish nematode Capillaria pterophylli Heinze, 1933

The stichosome (posterior glandular esophagus) of Capillaria pterophylli Heinze, 1933 consists of large gland cells (stichocytes) and lumenal epithelium with cuticular lining. Both structures are enclosed in a reticulum of muscle cells. The stichocyte cytoplasm contains small cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, one kind of electron dense secretory granules, mitochondria and a branching system of intracellular collecting ducts without filament bundles around them.     

Fine structure of the spiracular glands in larval Drosophila melanogaster (Meig.) (Diptera : Drosophilidae)

The spiracular glands in the third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera : Drosophilidae) were examined with light and electron microscopy. Three club-shaped, unicellular glands are associated with each spiracle. Each gland has a large nucleus with a well-developed nucleolus and polytene chromosomes. Cytoplasmic features include a prominent plasma membrane reticular system (PMRS), which contains electron-dense material and gives rise to endocytotic vesicles. Numerous lipid droplets, mitochondria, free ribosomes, glycogen, lysosomes, and vesicles are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is abundant, but rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes are sparse. Small lipid droplets appear to fuse with one another to form larger droplets. In late third-instar glands, normal mitochondria decrease in number; they appear to degenerate and become converted into dense bodies with finely granular interiors. Several microvillous channels containing lipid are present within the cytoplasm. In the lumina of most of these channels are found the distal tips of cuticular ductules. The cuticular ductules merge with one another dorsally to form the main duct that carries the lipoid secretion to the spiracle cleft. The ultrastructure of the spiracular glands is consistent with their roles in the synthesis of lipoid secretion, which is used to provide hydrophobicity of the surface and to trap small particulate matter.