Differentiation of tracheal epithelium during fetal lung maturation in the rhesus monkey Macaca mulatta

Of the eight categories of epithelial cells identified in pulmonary conducting airways, four are found in the trachea of adult primates: basal, mucous goblet, intermediate, and ciliated cells. While their ultrastructure is well characterized, little is understood about their origin or differentiation. This study describes the pattern of differentiation of the tracheal luminal epithelium in a species of nonhuman primate, the rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta. Tracheas of 57 fetal and postnatal rhesus were fixed with glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde: ten at 29-54 days gestational age (GA), ten at 59-80 days GA (pseudoglandular stage), sixteen at 82-130 days GA (canalicular stage), ten at 141-168 days GA (saccular stage), eight at 1-134 days postnatal, and three adults (2 yr 11 months to 11 yr 11 months). Slices taken proximal to the carina were processed for electron microscopy by a selective embedding procedure. In the youngest fetuses, essentially one population of cells lined the tracheal epithelial surface. These cells were columnar in shape with a central nucleus, few organelles, and large amounts of cytoplasmic glycogen. At 46 days GA, ciliated cells were observed on the membranous side of the trachea. Some nonciliated cells had concentrations of organelles in the most apical portion of their cytoplasm. At 59 days GA, membrane-bound cored granules were intermixed with organelles in the apices of some glycogen-filled cells. They were observed first on the cartilaginous side. Between 59 and 100 days GA, a large number of cell forms which appeared to be transitional between ciliated, secretory, basal, and undifferentiated cells were present. These included ciliated cells with electron-lucent inclusions resembling mucous granules. Mucous secretory cells were more numerous and had more granules and less glycogen in older fetuses. By 105 days GA, few of the secretory cells had significant amounts of glycogen and the cytoplasm was condensed. Secretory granules were very abundant in some cells and minimal in others. The Golgi apparatus was prominent. In animals 120 days GA and older, small mucous granule cells and basal cells resembling these cells in adults were present. By 134 days postnatal age, the epithelium resembled that in adults. We conclude that most of the differentiation of tracheal epithelium in the rhesus monkey occurs prior to birth; the cells differentiate in the following sequences: ciliated, mucous goblet, small mucous granule, basal; and basal and small mucous granule cells do not play a role in ciliated and mucous cell formation in the fetus.     

Processes in formation of mucus by the body wall of Ariolimax columbianus

The mucus secreted by the body surface of the terrestrial pulmonate slug, Ariolimax columbianus, is a variable mix of products of the giant mucous and channel cells of the skin. An in vitro sac preparation allows the study of control and products of these two cell types. Mucins in membrane-bound granules are released by the mucous cells on mechanical or electrical stimulation of the skin. The product of the channel cells is a blood ultrafiltrate, modified by reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- ions and transfer into the fluid of K+ and HCO3- ions (processes of secretion inhibited by ouabain, amiloride and furosemide; and by other epithelial blocking agents). Rates of secretion can be increased or decreased by gastropod neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, serotonin, and others), and by prostaglandin E2 and indomethacin.     

Modification of cell evagination and cell differentiation in quail oviduct hyperstimulated by progesterone

Quail oviduct development is controlled by sex steroid hormones. Estrogen (E) induce cell proliferation, formation of tubular glands by epithelial cell evagination and cell differentiation. Progesterone (P) strongly increases the secretory process in E-treated quails, but inhibits cell proliferation, cell evagination and differentiation of ciliated cells. The balance between E and P is critical for harmonious development of the oviduct. After 6 daily injections of two doses of estradiol benzoate (10 or 20 micrograms/d) and high doses of P (4 mg/d), tubular gland formation by epithelial cell evagination was inhibited, while epithelial cell proliferation occurred, as shown by the height of the villi and the increase in DNA. Secretory processes were strongly stimulated. Ovalbumin, a tubular gland cell marker and avidin, a mucous cell marker, were localized by immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling. Ovalbumin was localized only in the rudimentary tubular glands, whereas avidin was dispersed throughout the secretory cells. High doses of progesterone inhibited tubular gland cell proliferation, disturbed the distribution of avidin and inhibited differentiation of ciliated cells. Ovalbumin synthesis occurred only in epithelial cells which were evaginated despite the hyperstimulation. Ovalbumin gene expression appeared highly dependent upon the cell position.     

Ultrastructure of surface epithelial cells of the normal human rectum

Luminal surface epithelial cells, excluding a few endocrine cells of the normal human rectum, were studied electron microscopically and 5 types of cells were recognized with special reference to some structure containing mucous substances. Principal-1 cells showing few tiny vesicles and Principal-2 cells containing some tiny vesicles seemed to belong to the absorptive cell group. Vesicle cells having numerous tiny vesicles, and Columnar mucous cells accompanied by numerous tiny vesicles and some round or oval mucous vacuoles, seemed to be labelled as of the secretory cell group. The common features of the epithelial columnar cells, except for the Goblet cell, were columnar shape, microvilli whose length and density had considerable variation, glycocalyceal bodies around the microvilli, and thick surface coat. Goblet cells were characterized by a goblet shape which was expanded by numerous mucous droplets. It is of special interest that 4 different types of columnar epithelial cells are recognized on the luminal surface of the normal human rectum, and that Vesicle cells and Columnar mucous cells are first observed on the luminal surface of the large intestine. Similar epithelial cells have only been reported in the crypt of the large intestine and not on the luminal surface.     

The channel cell of the terrestrial slug Ariolimax columbianus (Stylommatophora,Arionidae)

Summary Studies were carried out to identify the route by which macromolecules and large volumes of fluid traverse the skin of terrestrial gastropods. Electron micrographs of the skin of the banana slug Ariolimax columbianus demonstrated that carbon particles can enter large, specialized cells and pass thence to the exterior. These cells, which are termed channel cells, range up to 500 m in length; they reach from the external surface of the skin to deep within the subepithelial interstitium. At the light-microscope level they show a large central channel or reservoir apparently filled with homogeneous fluid; after injection of ink into the body cavity this central channel becomes ink-filled. Electron micrographs show cisternae of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, opening from the cell surface and occasionally traversing the entire cytoplasmic layer. The neurohormone arginine vasotocin stimulates fluid and particle movement through the channel cell; this response is inhibited by norepinephrine. Fluid output is dependent on the presence of a transwall hydrostatic pressure gradient of about 7 torr or above, as well as on activation of the channel cells.     

Ultrastructure of a complex epithelial system: The pharyngeal lining of the larval lamprey Petromyzon marinus

Electron microscopy shows that the pharyngeal lining of the larval lamprey Petromyzon marinus is a structurally complex epithelial system that can be separated into eight epithelial types: gill lamellar, gill interlamellar, goblet cell, protective, terminal (taste) bud, preciliated, ciliated in tracts, and ciliated in grooves. Furthermore, these epithelial types encompass at least sixteen different cell types based on ultrastructure and, in some cases, correlative histochemistry (PAS, Alcian blue). Common to nearly all the epithelial types are basal cells and intermediate cells. These two cell types are seen as undifferentiated. Among mature cells, structural specialization as proceeded in three directions: (1) elaboration of mitochondria, probably related to molecular transport (ion-uptake cells, chloride cells); (2) ciliogenesis (preciliated and ciliated cell types); and (3) production of mucous secretory granules (mucous-platelet cells, goblet cells, superficial protective cells, columnar mucous cells, “cobblestone” cells, and marginal and dark cells in the terminal buds). Many of the functions of the cell types relate to the process of suspension feeding in this animal.     

The fine structure of the secretory cells of the uterus (shell gland) of the chicken

The secretory processes in the shell gland of laying chickens were the subject of this study. Three cell types contribute secretory material to the forming egg: ciliated and non-ciliated columnar cells of the uterine surface epithelium, and cells of tubular glands in the mucosa. The ciliated cells as well as the non-ciliated cells have microvilli, which undergo changes in form and extent during the secretory cycle. At the final stages of shell formation they resemble stereocilia. It is postulated that the microvilli of both cells are active in the production of the cuticle of the shell. The ciliated cell which has both cilia and microvilli manufactures secretory granules which arise from the Golgi complex in varying amounts throughout the egg laying cycle. Granule production reaches its greatest intensity during the early stages of shell deposition. The ciliated cell probably supplies proteinaceous material to the matrix of the forming egg shell. The non-ciliated cell has only microvilli. Secretory granules, containing an acid mucopolysaccharide, arise from the Golgi complex. Some granules are extruded into the uterine lumen where they supply the egg shell with organic matrix. Others migrate towards the supranuclear zone. Here a number of them disintegrate. This is accompanied by the formation of a large membraneless space, which is termed “vacuoloid.” Subsequently the vacuoloid regresses and during regression an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum with numerous polyribosomes of spiral configuration appears. It is suggested that material in the vacuoloid originating from the disintegrating granules is resynthesized and utilized for the formation of secretory product. The uterine tubular gland cells have irregular, frondlike microvilli. During egg shell deposition, these microvilli form large blebs and are probably related to the elaboration of a watery, calcium-containing fluid.     

The fine structure of atypical ciliated cells in the human gastric epithelium

Gastric mucosa obtained from the body and pyloric portions of the human stomach were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Ciliated cells were found in two of 18 subjects examined, one patient with gastric ulcer and the other one with gastric adenocarcinoma. The ciliated cells were found in epithelia at sites away from the main lesions. The tissues containing ciliated cells showed intestinal metaplasia combined with mild chronic gastritis in both cases. The epithelial layer facing the gastric lumen was composed of columnar cells with numerous uniform microvilli and goblet cells. This epithelium extended to the superficial parts of the tubules surrounded by the lamina propria. The deeper portions of the tubules were composed of mucous secretory, endocrine, and rarely ciliated cells. These ciliated cells were provided with numerous cilia the numbers of which varied considerably from cell to cell. This was in contrast to the primary cilium which is usually single. The central part of the apical cell membrane was sometimes concave in the area from where cilia tended to arise. It was also observed that numerous basal bodies as well as mucus-like granules were contained in the same cell. The axonemal pattern was different from that of ordinary cilia and showed 9 + 0 and 8 + 1 patterns. In longitudinal sections it was found that one peripheral doublet was displaced to the center of the axoneme as it left the basal body.     

Observations on the anatomy of the stomach and duodenum of the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus

Gastric and cranial duodenal structure of the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) was examined grossly and microscopically. The stomach was arranged in a series of four compartments. The first chamber, or forestomach, was a large nonglandular sac lined by a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It was followed by the fundic chamber, a large, somewhat globular and entirely glandular compartment. At the entrance of the fundic chamber, a narrow cardiac gland region could be defined. The remaining mucosa of the chamber contained the proper gastric glands. A narrow, tubular connecting channel, the third distinct gastric division, was lined by mucous glands and joined the fundic chamber with the final stomach compartment, or pyloric chamber. This fourth chamber was also tubular and lined by mucous glands but was of a diameter considerably larger than the connecting channel. The stomach terminated at the pyloric sphincter which consisted of a well-developed band of circular smooth-muscle bundles effecting a division between the pyloric chamber and small intestine. The small intestine began with the duodenal ampulla, a dilated sac considerably smaller than the fundic chamber of the stomach. The mucosa of this sac contained mucous glands throughout. The ampulla led without a separating sphincter into the duodenum proper which continued the intestine in a much more narrow tubular fashion. The mucosal lining of the duodenum was composed of villi and intestinal crypts. Although their occurrence varied among whales, enteroendocrine cells were identified within the mucous glands of the cardiac region, connecting channel, pyloric chamber, and cranial duodenum. The hepatopancreatic duct entered the wall of the duodenum shortly after the termination of the duodenal ampulla and continued intramurally along the intestine before finally joining the duodenal lumen.     

Book lung development in juveniles and adults of the cobweb spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum C. L. Koch, 1841 (Araneomorphae,Theridiidae)

Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the development of new book lung lamellae in juvenile and adult spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum). As hypothesized earlier in a study of embryos, mesenchyme cells dispersed throughout the opisthosoma (EMT) are a likely source of precursor epithelial cells (MET) for the new lamellae. The precursor cells in juveniles and adults continue many of the complex activities observed in embryos, e.g., migration, alignment, lumen formation, thinning, elongation, and secretion of the cuticle of air channel walls and trabeculae. The apicobasal polarity of precursor cells for new channels is apparently induced by the polarity pattern of precursor cells of channels produced earlier. Thus, new air and hemolymph channels extend and continue the alternating pattern of older channels. At sites more distant from the spiracle and atrium, new channels are usually produced by the mode II process (intracellular alignment and merging of vesicles). These air channels have bridging trabeculae and are quite stable in size throughout their length. At sites closer to the spiracle and atrium, new channels may be produced by mode I (coalescence of merocrine vesicle secretion). This raises the hypothesis that structural and functional differences in mode I and II channels and differing oxygen and fluid conditions with distance from the spiracle and atrium determine the mode of formation of new channels. Observations herein support an earlier hypothesis that there is some intercellular apical/apical and basal/basal affinity among the opposed surfaces of aligned precursor cells. This results in the alternating pattern of air channels at the apical and hemolymph channels at the basal cell surfaces.     

Ultrastructural study of the ciliated cyst in the human uterine tube epithelium

Ciliated cysts in the human uterine tube epithelium were investigated with the transmission electron microscope. The cysts were about 3-9 microns in diameter and were provided with many ciliary apparatuses and microvilli. Degenerative changes of these cilia, such as electron-dense round or irregular bodies and amorphous substance, were observed in many cysts, but complete disappearance of ciliary structures was not detected in any ciliated cysts. The ciliated cysts were mostly observed in basal cells and were occasionally found in ciliated cells bordering the tubal lumen. In the basal cells, these cysts distended with the increase in degenerated cilia. Distended ciliated-cyst-containing cells became exposed directly to the tubal lumen. U- or reverse omega-shaped deep indentations of the apical surface of ciliated cells confirmed the opening of ciliated cysts into the lumen. It was suggested that the ciliated cysts result from the premature differentiation of basal cells or disturbed migration of centrioles in ciliogenic cells.     

[Ciliogenesis in the mucous cells of the quail oviduct. II. Hormonal control]

The hormonal control of ciliogenesis and transformation of mucous cells was studied in the oviduct (magnum) of ovariectomized quails. Estradiol benzoate induces ciliogenesis with doses varying from 10 mug/day to 100 mug/day after 6 days of treatment. With 100 mug/day, differentiation of some mucous cells is also induced as well as the formation of transitory "mixed cells" which are in the process of ciliogenesis and contain mucous granules. Associated with progesterone (1 mg/day), estradiol benzoate (10 mug/day) induces the differentiation of mucous cells and ciliated cells. The luminal epithelium of quails injected with this mixture is similar to the luminal epithelium observed in the oviduct of laying quails. With the same dose of progesterone (1 mg/day) and 20 mug/day of estradiol benzoate for 6 days, ciliogenesis is completely inhibited. All epithelial cells are secretory cells. Transformation of 50% of the mucous cells into ciliated cells is obtained by following the previous estradiol-progesterone treatment with the injection of estradiol benzoate (20 mug/day) for 3 days. Divisions of mucous cells were also observed. It is also possible to induce ciliogenesis in some mucous cells by withdrawing both hormones for 3 days. In this case, no cell divisions were observed.     

Fine structure of the cephalic sensory organ in veliger larvae of Littorina littorea, (L.) (Mesogastropoda,Littorinidae)

The cephalic sensory organ (CSO) in planktonic veliger larvae of Littorina littorea is situated dorsally between the velar lobes at the level of the shell aperture. It consists of ciliated primary sensory cells, adjacent accessory cells and supporting epithelial cells. Cell bodies of the ciliated cells originate in the cerebral commissure and their dendrites pass to the epidermis. The flask-shaped sensory cells are characterized by a deep invaginated lumen with modified cilia arising from the cell surface in the lumen. These cilia are presumed to be non-motile because they lack striated rootlets and show a modified microtubular pattern (6 + 2, 7 + 2 and 8 + 2). The adjacent accessory cells never possess an invaginated lumen; occasionally cilia and branched microvilli arise from the apical surface. These cells may be sensory, but there is no obvious direct connection with the nervous system. The supporting epithelial cells are part of the epidermis and flank the apical necks of the sensory and accessory cells. Morphological evidence suggests that the CSO may function in chemoreception related to substrate selection at settlement, feeding or other behaviour.     

Effects of retinoic acid on the growth and morphology of hamster tracheal epithelial cells in primary culture

Hamster tracheal epithelial cells were grown in primary culture on a collagen gel substrate in hormone-supplemented serum-free Ham's F12 medium with 10(-8) M retinoic acid (RA+), or without retinoic acid (RA-). On days 1 and 2, the colonies were composed of large (secretory) cells and lesser numbers of small (basal) cells; ciliated cells were rare. At these times, cell number, thymidine incorporation, and total labelling indices (small and large cells, combined) were similar in RA+ and RA- cultures, but the large cells became flat in RA- medium on day 2. On days 3-5, thymidine incorporation and total labelling indices were less in RA- than RA+ cultures, and on days 4-6, cell numbers were decreased in RA- cultures. On day 3, the large cells of the RA- colonies had flattened further and clusters of small basal cells had formed. On day 4, the RA+ colonies were composed of densely-packed cuboidal secretory cells, small basal cells were inconspicuous; the total labelling index was about 27%. The RA- colonies were composed of large flat secretory cells and numerous small basal cells which were clustered in groups; the total labelling index was about 7%. Since large and small cells could be discriminated by size in RA- colonies, a labelling index was generated based on cell size. On days 2, 3 and 4, the labelling index of the small basal cells in the RA- colonies was 44%, 43% and 24% respectively, whereas the labelling index of the large secretory cells fell rapidly over the same period (56%, 14% and 2%). On days 5 and 6, the cuboidal secretory cells in the RA+ cultures had differentiated further and the cells were stratified focally. Some new ciliated cells had formed on day 6. In RA- cultures, mucous granules were not observed in the large flat cells and ciliated cells were not seen. The total labelling indices were 11% and 0.35% in RA+ cultures, and 0.5% and 0.25% in RA- cultures on days 5 and 6, respectively. The study shows that the target cell for vitamin A in the hamster tracheal epithelium is the secretory (mucous) cell. When retinoic acid was deficient, the secretory cells flattened and their capacity to divide was greatly diminished. Since the basal cells continued to replicate when the secretory cells did not, the population density of the basal cells increased disproportionally, which could be interpreted erroneously as a "basal cell hyperplasia".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Restoration of mucociliary tracheal epithelium following deprivation of vitamin A. A quantitative morphologic study

In order to learn more about the respective roles played by basal cells and mucous cells in the maintenance of tracheal mucociliary epithelium, cell kinetics and epithelial cell morphology were characterized over a 7-day period, during which dietary vitamin A was restored to previously deprived hamsters. Hamsters were reared from birth to 35 days of age on vitamin A-replete or deficient diets. Deprived hamsters were made replete by 5 mg vitamin A-acetate orally, plus a vitamin A-replete diet. Colchicine and 3HTdR were given 6 h before death. The numbers of basal cells, mucous cells, preciliated cells and ciliated cells, and mitotic rates (MR) and labeling indices (LI) of basal cells and mucous cells, were quantified in glycol methacrylate sections stained with PAS-lead hematoxylin. Vitamin A-deprivation decreased replication of basal cells and mucous cells in tracheal epithelium which showed minimal morphological change. The proportion of basal cells was increased and proportions of mucous, preciliated and ciliated cells were decreased. Following restoration of vitamin A to the diet, the basal cell MR remained below control level throughout the experimental period, but the mucous cell MR started to rise on day 2-replete, and on day 3-replete and thereafter the mucous cell MR was within the control range. Basal cell and mucous cell LI's showed similar trends. Preciliated cells were reduced or absent in vitamin A-deprived epithelium. Their number had risen by day 3-replete and thereafter they were generated within the control range. These cells matured into ciliated cells. By day 4-replete, the proportion of basal cells had decreased markedly and the proportions of mucous cells, and preciliated plus ciliated cells had increased, so that at this time cellular proportions were within or near control values. This trend continued so that by day 7-replete, a nearly normal mucociliary epithelium was restored. The results show that vitamin A-levels modulate replication rates of basal cells and mucous cells and indicate that mitotic division of mucous cells is a prerequisite for the genesis of preciliated cells and new mucous cells and for restoration of the mucociliary epithelium following deprivation of vitamin A in the diet.     

Morphology of globule leucocyte from bovine bronchopulmonary lavage

It has hitherto been assumed that the globule leucocytes (GL) occur as free cells in the airways of animals. The present study provides definite evidence for the occurrence of these cells in the bronchopulmonary lavage of cattle. At the light-microscopic level, the GL was a round to elongate cell containing the characteristic large, round, metachromatic granules and an eccentric nucleus with a prominent nucleolus. Ultrastructurally, the cell was round, approximately 15 micron in diameter, and contained round, electron-dense granules which measured approximately 1.25 micron in diameter. The cell nucleus was endowed with abundant heterochromatin. The cytoplasm had only inconspicuous organelles. We conclude that the bovine GL is a specific cell which reaches the airway lumen following migration from the lining of the bronchopulmonary mucous membrane.     

An ultrastructural study of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the crab-eating frog,Rana cancrivora

The amphibian tongue contains two types of papilla which are believed to function in gustation and in the secretion of salivary fluid. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that columnar, filiform papillae are compactly distributed over nearly the entire dorsal surface of the tongue of the frog, Rana cancrivora, and fungiform papillae are scattered among the filiform papillae. Microridges and microvilli are distributed on the epithelial cell surface of the extensive area of the filiform papillae. Light microscopy shows that the apex of each filiform papilla is composed of stratified columnar and/or cuboidal epithelium and its base is composed of simple columnar epithelium. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that most of the epithelium of the filiform papillae is composed of cells that contain numerous round electron-dense granules 1–3 μm in diameter. Cellular interdigitation is well developed between adjacent cells. On the free-surface of epithelial cells, microridges or microvilli are frequently seen. Between these granular cells, a small number of ciliated cells, mitochondria-rich cells and electron-lucent cells are inserted. In some cases, electron-dense granules are present in the ciliated cells. At higher magnification, the electron-dense granules appear to be covered with patterns of spots and tubules. Overall, the morphology and ultrastructure of the lingual epithelium of the three species of Rana that have been studied are quite similar, but they can be easily distinguished from those of Bufo japonicus. Therefore, it appears that lingual morphology is phylogenetically constrained among members of the predominantly freshwater genus Rana to produce uniformity of papillary structure and this morphology persists in Rana cancrivora despite the distinct saline environment in which it lives. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Regeneration of hamster tracheal epithelium after mechanical injury. IV. Histochemical, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural studies

All stages of regeneration in hamster tracheal epithelium were studied following a denuding mechanical injury. At 1 h all the cells had sloughed from the wound site leaving a bare and sometimes disrupted basal lamina. Viable cells at the wound margins rapidly changed shape, flattened and migrated to cover the denuded lesion by 12 h. In addition, epithelial cells that remained viable demonstrated sublethal changes that included the rapid discharge of mucous granules from secretory cells, internalization of cilia by ciliated cells and evidence of heterophagy in both cell types. By 24 h a wave of epithelial cell divisions occurred, primarily by secretory cells. This produced a multilayered epidermoid metaplasia that was best developed at 48 h. The metaplastic epithelium was largely composed of cells with both secretory (mucous granules) and epidermoid (tonofilament bundles and numerous desmosomes) characteristics. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method demonstrated a few keratin-positive cells in the wound as early as 12 h post-wounding and keratin was demonstrated in more cells by 24 h. All cells in the metaplastic wound epithelium were keratin-positive by 48 h. Following 48 h some of the most superficial keratinized cells sloughed from the epithelium and the keratin content of the remaining cells began to decline. At 72 h pre-ciliated and pre-secretory cells were seen in the wound. Pre-ciliated cells were characterized by an abundant electron-lucent cytoplasm, large pale nucleus, filiform apical microvilli and evidence of ciliogenesis, similar to that seen during fetal development. Pre-ciliated cells often contained apical mucous granules, apparently carried over from the parent secretory cells. With the appearance of these columnar cells the normal mucociliary morphology was restored in small wounds by 120 h, but some persistent epidermoid metaplasia remained in the large wounds through 168 h post-wounding. These data provide further evidence for the important role of secretory cells in the histogenesis of epidermoid metaplasia and the regeneration of normal morphology following injury. The implications of these findings in understanding the histogenesis of other lesions in the tracheo-bronchial epithelium are discussed.     

Histological remarks of the oviduct and the oviducal gland of Sympterygia acuta Garman, 1877

The elasmobranchs constitute an important resource in Argentinian fishing and they show reproductive characteristics that make them susceptible to the pressure of fishing. In spite of the importance of the resource our knowledge about the species of the Southwestern Atlantic is scarce. In this work we study the microanatomy of the oviduct and the oviducal gland of Sympterygia acuta. The results show a very folded oviduct with mucous and ciliated cells. The oviducal gland depicts the same zonation as other batoids, showing the typical four regions (club, papillary, baffle and terminal). The epithelium lining the glandular lumen is simple columnar with ciliated and glandular cells. The four zones show simple or ramified tubular gland the secretions of which constitute the egg's envelopes. The club and baffle zones are similar to those present in other species. The papillary one depicts a different pattern of secretions that other Rajiformes and the last zone of the gland is characterized by mixed adenomers. The information here exposed constitutes the first report on the microanatomy of the genital tract of S. acuta.     

Secretory and basal cells of the epithelium of the tubular glands in the male Mullerian gland of the caecilian Uraeotyphlus narayani (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

Caecilians are exceptional among the vertebrates in that males retain the Mullerian duct as a functional glandular structure. The Mullerian gland on each side is formed from a large number of tubular glands connecting to a central duct, which either connects to the urogenital duct or opens directly into the cloaca. The Mullerian gland is believed to secrete a substance to be added to the sperm during ejaculation. Thus, the Mullerian gland could function as a male accessory reproductive gland. Recently, we described the male Mullerian gland of Uraeotyphlus narayani using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and histochemistry. The present TEM study reports that the secretory cells of both the tubular and basal portions of the tubular glands of the male Mullerian gland of this caecilian produce secretion granules in the same manner as do other glandular epithelial cells. The secretion granules are released in the form of structured granules into the lumen of the tubular glands, and such granules are traceable to the lumen of the central duct of the Mullerian gland. This is comparable to the situation prevailing in the epididymal epithelium of several reptiles. In the secretory cells of the basal portion of the tubular glands, mitochondria are intimately associated with fabrication of the secretion granules. The structural and functional organization of the epithelium of the basal portion of the tubular glands is complicated by the presence of basal cells. This study suggests the origin of the basal cells from peritubular tissue leukocytes. The study also indicates a role for the basal cells in acquiring secretion granules from the neighboring secretory cells and processing them into lipofuscin material in the context of regression of the Mullerian gland during the period of reproductive quiescence. In these respects the basal cells match those in the epithelial lining of the epididymis of amniotes.