Fine structure of the abdominal epidermis of the adult mudpuppy,Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque)

Summary The ventral epidermis of adult Necturus maculosus has been studied using electron and light microscopy. Many larval characteristics of amphibian epidermal structure are retained in adult Necturus. The epidermis is a stratified epithelium consisting of four cell layers and five cell types. Major differences compared with other adult amphibians are: (1) the absence of a well defined moulting cycle together with an apparently diminished synthetic and mitotic activity in the stratum germinativum; (2) an outermost cell layer (stratum mucosum) that is unkeratinized and appears to synthesize a mucous layer; and (3) numerous large club-shaped Leydig cells which span the epidermis between the cells of the stratum germinativum and stratum mucosum. The apical region of the stratum granulosum and stratum mucosum cells shows evidence of extensive synthesis. The stratum mucosum appears to be involved in the secretion of vesicular contents onto the outermost surface of the epithelium. The external surfaces of the stratum mucosum cells possess numerous microridges which are supported by an intricate network of cytofilaments in the apical region of these cells. The significance of these features is discussed in relation to the physiology and ecology of this species.     

Distribution, biomass and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Ahnfeltiales, Rhodophyta) population in the Bay of Izmena, Kunashir Island

Regularities of distribution and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno et Matsubara) Mak. population, an agar-containing red alga, were studied in the Bay ot Izmena. Experiments were conducted in a flow-through system under conditions similar to algal habitats. The population of A. tobuchiensis unattached to the ground may be from a few centimeters to as much as 1 m thick. It has been shown that only the upper part of a stratum 15–20 cm thick receives a sufficient amount ot light to realize its production potential. While 15–20% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of that falling on the water surface reaches the stratum surface, only 0.1% of PAR from that falling on the water surface penetrates through stratum 15 cm thick. It has been shown for A. tobuchiensis that its photosynthetic rate curve during the daytime mainly follows the PAR intensity curve. The highest values of photosynthetic rate have been measured in the afternoon when PAR reaches its maximum. It is noted that a stratum 15–20 cm thick has peak values ot net primary production (NPP) which averages 3.2 g C m^?2 day^?1. The total area of A. tobuchiensis population was 23.4 km², and its biomass was 125 000 tons in this area. On average, the NPP of the A. tobuchiensis population made up in summer and in autumn was 46.8 and 25.0% of its biomass, respectively.     

Morphology of the retina in deep‐water fish Nezumia sclerorhynchus (Valenciennes, 1838) (Gadiformes: Macrouridae)

Using light microscopy, we examined the retina of benthopelagic fish Nezumia sclerorhynchus. Although the retina is typical of other vertebrates, having three nuclear and two synaptic layers, it presents some features associated with the animal's deep‐sea habitat. A stratum argenteum containing iridescent crystals is located in the choroid. The pigment cell layer shows bulky cells filled with melanin granules but without the typical apical processes. The visual cells, consisting of a big population of rods, are arranged in several banks. No cones were observed. The outer segments are very long and cylindrical, and the inner segments are constituted by a small ellipsoid at the proximal end. The outer nuclear layer contains several rows of oval nuclei, and the spherules in the outer plexiform layer have less regular outlines than nuclei. The inner retina is characterized by very large horizontal cells, and presumable bipolar and amacrine cells separated by large spaces that are occupied by neuronal processes. Finally, the low density of ganglion cells produces a thin nerve fibre layer. The results of this study suggest that the retina of Nezumia sclerorhyncus exhibits high visual sensitivity and that vision is a sense that plays an important role in its behaviour.     

Spore morphology and ultrastructure of Cyathea (Cyatheaceae,Pteridophyta) species from southern South America

Spore sculpture and wall structure of eight Cyathea (Cyatheaceae) species from southern South America were studied using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Two layers, i.e. an inner and an outer layer, were observed in the perispore. The inner layer has two strata: the inner stratum is attached to the exospore and composed of rodlets tangentially oriented to the spore surface and randomly intermixed; the outer stratum consists of a three-dimensional network of rodlets with either free or fused distal edges forming spinules. The outer layer is thin, darkly contrasted and covers the rodlets. In most cases, the exospore has two layers and a pitted surface. In Cyathea atrovirens, the exospore surface is smooth, while in C. delgadii and C. myriotricha it is verrucate. The homogeneity of perispore features within the genus Cyathea is evident, while exospore features are heterogeneous. The exospore has different kinds of surface-structures that are of potential interest for assessing evolutionary trends within the group.     

Retinal projections in the catfish,Mystus vittatus (Bloch) as revealed by tracer studies with horseradish peroxidase

Summary The retinal efferents of the catfish, Mystus vittatus, were investigated with the use of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. Most retinal fibres extended contralateral to the eye that had received HRP label, while a few fascicles projected to the ipsilateral side without decussation in the optic chiasma. The contralateral fibres projected to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the nucleus opticus dorsolateralis, the nucleus of the posterior commissure, the nucleus geniculatus lateralis, pretectal nuclear complex, and to two layers of the optic tectum, i.e., stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale and stratum griseum centrale. The accessory optic tract arose from the inner area of the optic tract and extended ventromedially to the accessory optic nucleus. The ipsilateral fascicles projected to almost all the above mentioned nuclei, but these projections were comparatively sparse. The ipsilateral retinal projection was restricted to the rostral tectum.     

Immunohistochemical localization of irisin in skin,eye, and thyroid and pineal glands of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata)

Irisin was first identified in muscle cells. We detected irisin immunoreactivity in various organs of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). In the epidermis, irisin immunoreactivity was localized mainly in stratum basale, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum layers; immunoreactivity was not observed in the stratum corneum. In the dermis, irisin was found in the external and internal root sheath, cortex and medulla of hair follicles, and in sebaceous glands. Irisin immunoreactivity was found in the neural retina and skeletal muscle fibers associated with the eye. The pineal and thyroid glands also exhibited irisin immunoreactivity.     

Light and electron microscopic studies of the skin of the Palembang puffer,Tetraodon steindachneri (Teleostei,Tetraodontidae)

Summary The skin ofTetraodon steindachneri is morphologically and cytologically adapted to the habits and locomotion of the fish, as well as to its ability to expand its body into a nearly spherical shape. Negative buoyancy, which facilitates precise maneuvers near the bottom, is achieved primarily by a very thick dermis. Various special features of the skin enable it to withstand the mechanical stresses of extreme expansion and deep folding: (1) the absence of a covering such as a cuticle on the outer surface of the epidermis, (2) the lack of scales, (3) the pronounced interdigitation of the epidermal cells, (4) the cytoskeleton of the filament-containing cells, and (5) the stratum compactum of the dermis. The spines, which inT. steindachneri can be extended and retracted, are derived, like the spines of diodontidae, from the scales of other teleosts. Each spine comprises cellular and acellular components, which together produce a complicated bilaterally symmetrical structure. Movement of the spines is mainly a passive mechanical concomitant of distension of the body, though active processes cannot be ruled out. The biological significance of the spine apparatus ofT. steindachneri is discussed.Abbreviations af annular fold - amc apical mucous cell - bv blood vessel - bm basal membrane - cf collagen fibers - cfb collagen fiber band - cv central vacuole - d desmosome - de dermis - ed epidermis - f tonofilaments - fcc filament-containing cell - gc granular cell - id interdigitation - md modified dermis - mr microridges - n nucleus - nf nerve fibers - s spine - sc stratum compactum - sk skeleton of spine - sl stratum laxum - smc sacciform mucous cell - sub subcutis - vc vacuole cell     

A unique population of cave bears (Carnivora: Ursidae) from the Middle Pleistocene of Kents Cavern,England, based on dental morphometrics

The ‘breccia’ stratum from Kents (we follow local tradition in using the form ‘Kents’, without an apostrophe) Cavern, England, has been well known for its rich yield of cave-bear material since excavations began in the mid-19th century. Recent work has established that the bears are of latest MIS 12 or earliest MIS 11 age. A life table based on a collection of 67 molariform teeth is consistent with the use of the cave as a hibernaculum. Univariate and morphological assessment of the teeth shows an unusual range of primitive and more derived characters. Multivariate morphometric analysis of cave-bear teeth from the site demonstrates that these animals, while currently assignable to Ursus deningeri sensu lato, are nevertheless morphologically distinct and not simply late deningeri on a hypothetical chronospecific continuum.     

Ontogenetic variation in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis of Chaetophractus vellerosus (Xenarthra,Dasypodidae) in relation to the development of cornified scales

The epidermis of mammals is characterized by having a stratum granulosum that produces an orthokeratotic stratum corneum, different from the typical reptilian parakeratotic stratum. Nonetheless, some mammals show distinct degrees of parakeratosis in epidermal regions with few or no pilose follicles (e.g., areas subjacent to cornified scales). With respect to the epidermis and the development of cornified scales in the Dasypodidae, previous studies have supported the presence of a continuous stratum granulosum without any variations during ontogeny. This condition, in which the cornified scales develop without a loss of the stratum granulosum, was interpreted as primitive for eutherians. The present contribution expands the knowledge on the epidermis of Chaetophractus vellerosus in distinct ontogenetic stages in order to determine whether the cornified scales show the same developmental pattern as in other eutherians. The presence of a stratum granulosum in C. vellerosus neonates and its reduction in more advanced ontogenetic stages, in direct relationship with cornified scale development, supports the hypothesis that the partial parakeratosis in the xenarthran integument is secondary, as in other eutherians, and can be interpreted as a derived character state.     

The surface of the ovine omasum as seen with the scanning electron microscope (Mammalia,Bovidae)

The omasal surface with a range of horny papillae and stratum corneum has been examined using scanning electron microscopy. Other features of interest described include pits or holes in the surface of these corneal cells and hair-like structures associated with the lamina.     

Retinal projections in the chain pickerel (Esox niger Lesueur)

Summary The retinal projections inEsox niger, as determined with the aid of a modified cobalt-lysine method, are considerably more extensive in the diencephalon and pretectum than in other teleost fishes so far examined. Although most retinal axons terminate contralaterally, rare fibers can be traced to the same aggregates ipsilaterally. The retinohypothalamic projection appears larger than hitherto reported in teleosts, and the dorsomedial optic tract issues fibers to a series of cell clusters extending from the rostral thalamus to mid-torus levels. A retinal projection to a presumed ventrolateral optic nucleus (VLO) is described for the first time in a teleost. Other targets of retinal fibers include the nucleus geniculatus lateralis ipse of Meader (GLI), the pretectal nucleus (P), the cortical nucleus and a well-developed ventromedial optic nucleus (VMO). The projection to the optic tectum is principally to the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS) and stratum marginale (SM), but a considerable number of axons also course through the stratum album centrale (SAC) before terminating there or piercing the stratum griseum centrale (SGC) and terminating in SFGS. Rare terminal arborizations of retinal fibers were also observed in stratum griseum centrale (SGS) and in the stratum griseum periventriculare (SGC) in restricted portions of the tectum. Because of the relatively large size of the visual structures inE. niger it is a potentially useful model for future experimental studies on the visual system.     

Neuronal and synaptic organization in the gravity receptor system of the statocyst of Octopus vulgaris

Summary The optic tectum of Calamoichthys calabaricus (Polypteriformes) shows a relatively complex vertical stratification, with six main layers and a varied neuronal typology. In particular, pyriform neurons in the well developed stratum griseum periventriculare and some multipolar neurons in the stratum griseum profundum represent the efferent elements of the tectum, while the optic and lemniscal inputs to the tectum converge in the plexiform sublayers of the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale. In the circuitry of the tectum some modulation is achieved by some of the polymorphic cells of the stratum griseum internum and by the horizontal cells of the outer layers. Notwithstanding some differences with respect to the teleost optic lobe (i.e., the absence of a torus longitudinalis; the lack of a stratum fibrosum marginale; the modest size of the stratum fibrosum profundum; the paucity of neurons in the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale; and the ill-defined separation of the layers of the afferent and efferent fibers), the optic tectum of Calamoichthys resembles the mesotectal type characteristic of teleosts, anurans and reptiles. It exhibits higher degree of organization than the optic tectum of the Chondrostei.     

Lipokeratinocytes of the epidermis of a cetacean (Phocena phocena)

Summary Biochemical and ultrastructural analysis of epidermis from the porpoise, Phocena phocena, revealed certain similarities and differences between cetaceans and terrestrial mammals. The predominant cell of cetacean epidermis, not found in normal terrestrial mammals, is a lipoker-atinocyte, which elaborates not only keratin filaments, but also two types of lipid organelles: first, lamellar bodies, morphologically identical to those of terrestrial mammals, are elaborated in great abundance in all suprabasal epidermal layers, forming intercellular lipid bilayers in the stratum corneum interstices: and second, non-membrane-bounded droplets appear and persist in all epidermal layers. Although the porpoise lipokeratinocyte morpologically resembles the sebokeratocyte of avians in certain respects, nonmembrane-bounded lipid droplets are not released into the intercorneocyte space as they are in avian stratum corneum. Whereas phospholipid/neutral lipid gradients are similar in porpoise and terrestrial mammals, PAS-positive glycoconjugates, specifically glycosphingolipids, are retained in porpoise stratum corneum, but lost from these layers in terrestrials. The novel, non-polar acylglucosyl-ceramides, which also are lost during cornification in terrestrial mammals, are retained in porpoise stratum corneum. The lipid components of porpoise lipokeratinocytes appear to subserve not only barrier function in a hypertonic milieu, but also underlie the unique buoyancy, streamlining, insulatory, and caloric properties exhibited as adaptations to the cetacean habitat.     

Morphology of skin incubation in Pipa carvalhoi (Anura: Pipidae)

South American Pipidae show a unique reproductive mode, in which the fertilized eggs develop in temporarily formed brood chambers of the dorsal skin after eggs have been deposited on the back of the female. We studied the skin incubation of Pipa carvalhoi using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The skin consists of a stratified epithelium with a one‐layered stratum corneum, and the dermis. The dermis of the dorsal skin of nonreproductive and reproductive females lacks a distinct stratum compactum, which is typical for most anuran skins. The entire dermis shows irregularly arranged collagen bundles like a stratum spongiosum. Before egg laying, the skin swells, primarily by thickening and further by loosening of the middle zone of the dermis. In the epidermis, large furrows develop that are the prospective sites of egg nidation. The epidermis, which forms a brood chamber around the developing egg becomes bi‐layered and very thin and lacks a stratum corneum. Further, the dermis loosens and becomes heavily vascularized. Egg carrying females do not have mature oocytes in their ovaries indicating a slow down or interruption of egg maturation during this period. Similarities with the brood pouch of marsupial frogs are discussed. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of possible integumentary sense organs in the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

The skins of crocodylids and gavialids can be distinguished from those of alligatorids by the presence of darkly pigmented pits, known as integumentary sense organs (ISOs), on the postcranial scales. The structure of ISOs, in Crocodylus porosus, was studied using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The stratum corneum of the epidermis in the area of the ISO is thinner, while the stratum germinativum is thicker, relative to other regions of the integument. Beneath the epidermal layer the ISO region has a paucity of collagen fibers relative to the rest of the dermis. Widely dispersed fibrocytes, nerve terminals, and chromatophores occur throughout the ISO region of the dermis, but these elements are concentrated in the area immediately beneath the stratum germinativum in the ISO region. The morphology of the ISOs suggests that they are sensory organs. It has traditionally been assumed that sensory organs on the amniote integument have a mechanosensory function. However, alternate functional interpretations of this structure are possible, and a resolution awaits further work. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The skin structure of greater rhea (Rheidae,Palaeognathae)

The aim of this study was to describe the histological structure of the skin of greater rhea (Rhea americana), a ratite bird native to South America. Skin samples were taken from three regions of the trunk (alar, dorsal and pelvic) in 14 specimens which ages ranged from 7 days to adulthood. Serial sections were obtained and subjected to different staining procedures (haematoxylin and eosin, orcein, Masson's trichrome and Gomori), and a morphometric analysis was carried out on stained slides. In general, both epidermis and dermis showed increased thickness of its layers with age. Some differences between regions can be detected both in epidermis and in dermis; for example in adults and 7‐day‐old birds, the stratum corneum of the alar region was thicker than of the dorsal region. In general, the skin of greater rhea was similar to that described in ratites and other birds (a thin epidermis compared to dermis, dermis with scarce elastic fibres, a slender and vascularized stratum superficiale, collagen fibres arranged in three directions). The scarcity of elastic fibres and the general cross‐weaved arrangement of the collagen fibres in the dermis of the adult greater rhea provide strength and flexibility to the dermis, two important features in leather industry.     

Polymorphism of immunogenetic and biochemical markers in Siberian (Tobol-Irtysh) Tatars

The polymorphism of immunogenetic and biochemical markers has been studied in nine populations of five ethnic-geographic groups of Siberian (Tobol-Irtysh) Tatars. Data on the frequency distributions of 33 alleles and 6 haplotypes of 14 loci (ABO, RHD, RHC, RHE, P, KEL, HP, C′3, TF, GLO1, ESD, ACP, PGD, and PGM1) in sample of 354 subjects have been obtained. Comparison with other ethnic groups has shown that the gene pool of Tobol-Irtysh Tatars contains an ancient autochthonic genetic stratum similar to that found in the neighboring Ob’ Ugrian population. Genetic relationships of various strengths with Central Asian Turks and the ethnic groups of the Volga region have been found, which apparently reflect different stages of the ethnogenesis of the Tobol-Irtysh Tatars.     

Living naked: first case of lack of skin-related structures in an elasmobranch,the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus)

As far as is known, in this paper the first case of lacking of skin-related structures (epidermis, stratum laxum, dermal denticles and teeth) in a free-swimming elasmobranch, the blackmouth catshark, Galeus melastomus, is reported. The individual was caught by trawl in Sardinian waters (central-western Mediterranean) in July 2019 at a depth of 500 m. Although this kind of morphological abnormality is potentially fatal, the observations suggested that the specimen was in good health and well developed.     

Quantitative analysis of histidine and cis and trans isomers of urocanic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography: a new assay method and its application

To elucidate the factors involved in dry skin and the skin damage caused by UV light, it is necessary to analyze small amounts of stratum corneum to determine amino acid contents. A new assay method for this purpose is described. Dabsylated amino acids including histidine and the cis and trans isomers of urocanic acid were analyzed quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), using a reversed-phase column. Histidine and the isomers of urocanic acid were separated from 36 other amino acids thought to be present in the extract of stratum corneum. In the presence of the 36 amino acids, standard calibration curves were obtained from 0.25 to 2.5 pmol/μl, for histidine and for both isomers of urocanic acid. The coefficients of variation for the reproducibility of the analysis at 1.0 pmol/μl were 3.8%, 2.9% and 2.5% for the cis and trans isomers of urocanic acid and for histidine, respectively. Amounts of 2 to 50 pmol of cis and trans isomers of urocanic acid and histidine in the stratum corneum were detected. The ratio of the cis to the trans isomer of urocanic acid in sunburned stratum corneum was more than three times that in normal stratum corneum. This method appears to be useful for the determination of small amounts of histidine and of the cis and trans isomers of urocanic acid in the stratum corneum.