Vergleichende elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an den zentralen Herzorganen von Cephalopoden (Sepia officinalis)

Zusammenfassung Die vergleichenden licht- und elektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchungen am Kiemenherzen von Sepia officinalis und Loligo vulgaris verschiedener Altersstufen zeigen eine Doppelfunktion dieses Organs als Herz- und Drüsenorgan auf. — Die quantitativ wenig hervortretende quer- resp. schräggestreifte Muskulatur ist nicht geschichtet und bildet ein lockeres Maschenwerk, in dem in großer Zahl ovoide Zellformen mit größeren Einschlußkörpern eingelagert sind. — Mit dem Auftreten von A-, I- und Z-Banden und der Ausbildung eines SR- und T-Systems entspricht die Organisation der Muskelfasern der des Zentralherzens (Schipp und Schäfer, 1969 b). Im Gegensatz zum Zentralherzen wird jedoch in der Kiemenherzmuskulatur nur ein Endigungstyp der wahrscheinlich monoaminergen Nervenfasern nachgewiesen.Die Zellformen zwischen den Muskelzellen treten in 2 Typen auf, die wahrscheinlich als Ausdruckverschiedener Funktionszustände zu werten sind. Ihre Organisation (Gehalt an Einschlußkörpern, Ergastoplasma und Dictyosomen sowie Exocytosevorgänge) deutet auf eine innersekretorische Funktion hin. Die intrazellulären Vorstufen des Sekretes besitzen ein ähnlich ausgebildetes kristallines Grundmuster wie das extrazelluläre Hämocyanin. Es ist daher nicht auszuschließen, daß diesen Zellen eine blutbildende Funktion zukommt.

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Comparative electron microscopic studies of the central cardiac organs of cephalopods (Sepia officinalis)Ultrastructure and function of the branchial heart

Summary Comparative light and electron microscopic studies of the branchial heart of Sepia officinalis and Loligo vulgaris at different ages showed that the organ functions both as a heart and a glandular structure. A small number of cross- or obliquely-striated muscle cells form a loose network that contains numerous ovoid cells with large inclusion bodies. The organization of A-, I-, and Z-bands, and the formation of SR- and T-systems in the branchial heart muscle resembles those in the central heart muscle (Schipp and Schäfer, 1969 b). On the other hand, only one type of monoaminergic axon terminals is observed in the branchial heart.The cells among the branchial heart muscle fibers are of two types, that may be a representation of different functional states. The organization of the cells (in reference to cell inclusions, ergastoplasm, dictyosomes) suggests endocrine function. The cell inclusions have a crystalline inner pattern like that of extracellular hemocyanin, suggesting that the ovoid cells may have a hemopoietic function.

Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Components of the cellular defense and detoxification system of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Mollusca, Cephalopoda)

Endocytotic-active cells in the branchial heart complex of Sepia officinalis were studied by in situ injection of different types of xenobiotics and by in vitro perfusion of the organ complex with a bacterial suspension. The rhogocytes (ovoid cells) ingest particles of all tested sizes by endocytosis and phagocytosis. The hemocytes of the circulating blood and the adhesive hemocytes in the wall of the branchial heart incorporate all tested kinds of foreign materials, including bacterial cells due to phagocytosis achieved by the triangular mesenchymatic cells. The ultrastructural findings also give strong evidence that the triangular mesenchymatic cells are fixed hemocytes that have migrated into the branchial heart tissue. The ingestion and digestion of allogeneic substances and bacteria or their debris by rhogocytes and/or all (forms of) hemocytes suggests the involvement of these either fixed or mobile endocytotic-active cells in the defense and detoxification system of cephalopods.     

Zur Struktur und Entwicklung des Riesenfasersystems erster Ordnung von Sepia officinalis L. (Cephalopoda)

Summary The differentiation and course of the first order giant nerve fibres in the medial and posterior suboesophageal lobes of the brain of Sepia officinalis is examined in different developmental stages. In earlier embryonic stages one pair of first order giant cells differentiates on each side. Later, as a normal phenomenon, one cell of each pair degenerates.The two remaining giant fibres cross in the palliovisceral lobe. On either side of the intersection one branch of the contralateral and one branch of the ipsilateral axon are connected with the second order giant fibres. This structure, which differs from that found in Loligo, apparently mediates the functional bilaterality of the giant fibre system.

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Supported by grant NONR 2100 through the Anton and Reinhard Dohrn foundation.     

Distribution of oxytocin-like and vasopressin-like immunoreactivities within the central nervous system of the cuttlefish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sepia officinalis</Emphasis>

We have investigated the distribution of oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) superfamily peptides in the central nervous system (CNS) of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, by using antibodies raised against mammalian OT and VP. Several populations of OT-like and VP-like immunoreactive cell bodies and fibers were widely distributed in cerebral structures involved in learning processes (vertical lobe complex, optic lobes), behavioral communication (peduncle, lateral basal and chromatophore lobes), feeding behavior (inferior frontal, brachial and buccal lobes), sexual activity (dorsal basal, subpedunculate, olfactory lobes), and metabolism (visceral lobes). The two most remarkable findings of this study were the occurrence of OT-like immunoreactivity in many amacrine cells of the vertical lobe and the dense accumulation of VP-like immunoreactive cell bodies in the subpedunculate 1 lobe. No double-immunolabeled cell bodies or fibers were found in any lobes of the CNS, indicating, for the first time in a decapod cephalopod mollusc, the existence of distinct oxytocinergic-like and vasopressinergic-like systems. The widespread distribution of the immunoreactive neurons suggests that these OT-like and VP-like peptides act as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators. This research was supported by grants from the “Région Basse-Normandie” (FRANCE) and the LARC-Neurosciences network (FRANCE).     

Unrestricted lineage differentiation of parthenogenetic ES cells

 The developmental potential of parthenogenetic embryonic stem (P-ES) cells was studied in teratomas and mouse chimaeras. Teratomas derived from P-ES cells contained a mixture of tissue types with variable proportions of specific tissues. Three of the eight P-ES cell lines analysed showed high proportions of striated muscle in teratomas, similar to teratomas from normal embryos or ES cell lines derived from fertilised embryos (F-ES cells). Our study also revealed that one P-ES cell line showed little lineage restriction in injection chimaeras. Descendants of the P-ES cells contributed to most tissues of chimaeric fetuses in patterns similar to F-ES cells. Normal colonisation of muscle, liver and pancreas was found in adult chimaeras. P-ES cells also showed similar haematopoietic differentiation and maturation as F-ES cells. However, extensive P-ES cell contribution was associated with a reduction in body size. These findings suggest that, while P-ES cells display more extensive developmental potential than the cells of parthenogenetic embryos from which they were derived, they only retained properties related to the presence of the maternal genome. To elucidate the molecular basis for the lack of lineage restriction during in vivo differentiation, the expression of four imprinted genes, H19, Igf2r, Igf2 and Snrpn was compared among five P-ES and two F-ES cell lines. Expression levels of these genes varied among the different ES cell lines, both in undifferentiated ES cells and in embryoid bodies.     

Regional differentiation of fat bodies in larvae of the indianmeal moth,Plodia interpunctella

Larvae of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella, contain two morphologically distinct fat bodies. Tan-colored, highly tracheated fat body located posteriorly in the abdomen was the predominant fat body tissue during the early larval instars. White, sheet fat body located more anteriorly became the predominant type during the fifth (last) larval instar and eventually occupied most of the space of the hemocoel. Ultrastructural morphology of tan fat body showed the tissue to be composed of cells containing numerous, large, spherical mitochondria, with only few lipid, glycogen, or protein storage structures. In contrast, white fat body was composed of cells that in later larval stages had organelles typical of storage functions. Both fat bodies produced storage proteins during the late fifth instar, whereas only white fat body accumulated the storage proteins. Tan fat body dispersed and apparently autolyzed in pharate pupae, whereas the white fat body metamorphosed and persisted into the adult stage. These observations indicate that fat body of the Indianmeal moth is functionally and morphologically differentiated along the anterior-posterior axis into two regional subgroups of cells.     

Free l-amino acids and d-aspartate content in the nervous system of Cephalopoda. A comparative study

We have determined the content of free l-amino acids and d-aspartate in the nervous tissue of three representative cephalopods: Sepia officinalis, Octopus vulgaris, and Loligo vulgaris, and the optic lobes of adult and embryo Sepia officinalis. Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in the cephalopod nervous tissue. Its content amounts to more than 50% of the total free amino acids. The other most concentrated amino acids are Glu, Ala, Asp, and GABA. High concentrations of d-aspartate were found in the nervous tissue of all cephalopods examined (7–12 μmol/g wet tissue) which represents 50–80% of the total aspartate (d + l), depending on the animal. Among the various regions of the brain of Octopus vulgaris, d-aspartate was found to be evenly distributed in the various regions of the brain. In nerve tissue of Sepia officinalis, there is no significant difference in the pattern of free l-amino acids, in particular of the d-aspartate concentration, between adults and embryos, except for GABA, Gly, His and Thr. This suggests that d-aspartate in nerve tissue of the Cephalopoda is of endogenous origin and not a product of accumulation from exogenous sources. From a comparative study of the content of d-aspartate in the nervous tissue of different animals, we found that protostomia contain a significantly higher amount than deuterostomia. Thus, d-aspartate could be a criterion to distinguish the protostomia phyla from the deuterostomia phyla.     

The neuronal EGF-related genes NELL1 and NELL2 are expressed in hemopoietic cells and developmentally regulated in the B lineage

NELL1 and NELL2 (neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 and 2) are recently described members of the epidermal growth factor gene family that have previously been shown to be expressed almost exclusively in brain tissue. Here we demonstrate regulated expression of NELL1 and NELL2 in human hematopoietic cells. Mature NELL1 mRNA is not detected in any normal hemopoietic cell type, although the gene is transcribed during a narrow window of pre-B cell development, and cell lines at the same developmental stage express the NELL1 mRNA. The related NELL2 gene is expressed by all nucleated peripheral blood cells examined (B, T, monocyte, and natural killer cells), but not in any of the bone marrow B lineage cells at earlier stages of development. However, leukemic cell lines corresponding to the same early differentiation stages express abundant NELL2 mRNA. These results suggest normal and possible oncogenic roles for the NELL proteins in hemopoietic cells.     

Preliminary observation of blood cells and hematopoietic organs in Lutjanus herenbergi and Lutjanus flaviflammus

The morphology of differentiated and differentiating cells of the red and white series in Lutjanus herenbergi and in Lutjanus flaviflammus is described. Early stages of red and white blood cells may be found only in smears of hemopoietic organs. Polychromatic erythroblasts, myelocytes and lymphoblasts may also occasionally be found in blood smears. Mature blood cells may be found both in blood smears and in hemopoietic organs. Differential white cell counts seem to demonstrate that the granulocytic series elements are the most common leukocytes in blood smears. Almost all granulocytes may be classified in the first three Arneth classes. An analysis of hemopoietic organs in these species was also performed. It was found that the only organs carrying on a hemopoietic function are the kidney and the spleen. The kidney is essentially a site of granulocytic differentiation while the spleen is a lymphopoietic organ. An erythropoietic activity may generally be observed in the kidney although weak erythropoietic activity may at times be found in the spleen.     

Free l-amino acids and d-aspartate content in the nervous system of Cephalopoda. A comparative study

We have determined the content of free l-amino acids and d-aspartate in the nervous tissue of three representative cephalopods: Sepia officinalis, Octopus vulgaris, and Loligo vulgaris, and the optic lobes of adult and embryo Sepia officinalis. Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in the cephalopod nervous tissue. Its content amounts to more than 50% of the total free amino acids. The other most concentrated amino acids are Glu, Ala, Asp, and GABA. High concentrations of d-aspartate were found in the nervous tissue of all cephalopods examined (7–12 μmol/g wet tissue) which represents 50–80% of the total aspartate (d + l), depending on the animal. Among the various regions of the brain of Octopus vulgaris, d-aspartate was found to be evenly distributed in the various regions of the brain. In nerve tissue of Sepia officinalis, there is no significant difference in the pattern of free l-amino acids, in particular of the d-aspartate concentration, between adults and embryos, except for GABA, Gly, His and Thr. This suggests that d-aspartate in nerve tissue of the Cephalopoda is of endogenous origin and not a product of accumulation from exogenous sources. From a comparative study of the content of d-aspartate in the nervous tissue of different animals, we found that protostomia contain a significantly higher amount than deuterostomia. Thus, d-aspartate could be a criterion to distinguish the protostomia phyla from the deuterostomia phyla.     

Fine Structure of the Hemopoietic Tissues in the Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor

The fine structure of the hemopoietic tissue and its detailed reticular organization in the mealworm beetle, T. molitor were examined using light and scanning electron microscopes. The major hemopoietic tissues in the abdomen were located on the upper surface of the dorsal diaphragm which continuous over the ventral wall of the heart. Histologic characteristics of this hemopoietic tissues are dense clusters of cells. They are irregular in outline and are not surrounded by any connective tissue sheath. The hemopoietic tissue of this insect is consisted of three cellular components which are the reticular cells, hemocytic stem cells and several kinds of mature hemocytes. The reticular cells had numerous cytoplasmic processes and forming a complex network. The stem cells give rise to differentiating hemocytes of the different cell lineages. Mature hemocytes within this hemopoietic tissue are originated from the stem cells and differentiated into several types of hemocytes including prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, and granulocytes.     

Ultrastructure and Development of Sclerotia of Botrytis cinerea Pers. in vitro

The development of sclerotia of Botrytis cinerea was examined at four stages during their maturation. The surface structure developed a network of profusely branched hyphae through their coalescence to a compact sclerotial body which was maturated by the deposition of melanin pigment. A characteristic feature of the hyphal cells of B. cinerea during the later stages of development was the presence of paramural bodies (plasmalemmasomes and lomasomes). Electrondense bodies with a limiting double-membrane congregated against the transverse septa of hyphal cells as sclerotia matured and may migrate from cell to cell through septal pores. We suggest that these and the lipid bodies found in hyphal cells may have a storage function in the resting sclerotia.     

In vitro culture of cells derived from larvae of the staghorn coral <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acropora</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">millepora</Emphasis>

Previous attempts to culture cells from corals or other cnidarians have been unsuccessful. These efforts have, however, generally made use of adult tissue as starting material. Early developmental stages are potentially more appropriate for the initiation of cell cultures, as the expectation is that a greater proportion of the cell population is undifferentiated and may have the intrinsic ability of unlimited cell renewal. To explore this idea, cell cultures were initiated from five key stages of coral development, and the presence of coral cells monitored by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using coral-specific primers. After 4 weeks, semi-quantitative PCR implied that coral cells were better represented in cultures initiated from planulae than in those derived from earlier developmental stages. Coral cells were detected in cultures initiated from planulae for up to 10 weeks, but after this time, extensive contamination by the protist Thraustochytrium sp. was observed.     

Studies on the cytophysiology of the fat body of the American silkmoth

Summary A developmental study at the electron microscopic level was conducted of the fat body cells of Hyalophora cecropia (L.). During the last larval instar the fat body increases in volume and the cells exhibit a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and protein bodies of diverse sizes. In the pupal fat body, the protein bodies appear to be enclosed by a double membrane and contain glycogen granules, ribosomes and mitochondrion-like structures. In addition, there are large lipid globules, cytolysomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The ultrastructure of the protein bodies suggests the development of large bodies by fusion of smaller protein bodies. Changes in fat body cell ultrastructure were followed during adult development and cytological evidence was obtained for the depletion of protein, glycogen and lipid in the female during this period. The female adult fat body cell contains free ribosomes, protein bodies, many mitochondria, a few lipid globules and glycogen granules. The male moth fat body cells have many mitochondria, a few glycogen granules, essentially no protein bodies, but an abundance of large lipid globules.Studies on the influence of egg maturation on the morphology of the fat body of Hyalophora gloveri (L.) revealed that ovariectomy of pupae yielded adults having more fat body than normal females, and that the fat body cells of the ovariectomized animals contained more glycogen, lipid and protein. Male pupae receiving ovarian implants developed into adults containing eggs and possessed more fat body than normal females but less than normal males. Very few glycogen granules were found in the fat body cells of normal males or males with implanted ovaries.Supported by grant AM-02818 from the National Institutes of Health.We thank Dr. James Oschman for his helpful suggestions and constructive criticisms.     

山茱萸果实发育过程中单宁物质的分布与积累特征

选取不同发育时期的山茱萸果实作为研究对象,采用果实形态观察法、显微及超微技术、组织化学定位法以及紫外分光光度计法对山茱萸果实发育过程中单宁物质分布及积累特征进行观察分析,并以单因素ANOVA检验不同发育时期单宁含量的差异,以揭示单宁物质在山茱萸果实发育中的变化规律,为山茱萸果实涩味调控机制研究提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)山茱萸果实发育过程中果皮颜色和果实体积变化明显,可将其发育过程划分为幼果期、中果期、成熟期3个时期;单宁物质主要分布在山茱萸果实中果皮的单宁细胞中。(2)在山茱萸果实发育过程中单宁细胞数目呈先增后减的变化趋势,幼果期单宁细胞从无到有,随着果实发育单宁细胞数目不断增多,至中果期单宁细胞数目开始减少。(3)单宁含量的变化规律与单宁细胞数目的变化一致,单宁含量在花后120 d时达到最多,随后逐渐减少。(4)单宁物质首先在细胞质的小液泡中积累,中央大液泡形成后则为单宁物质积累的主要场所,其积累形态主要有颗粒状、不规则状和板块状3种;单宁细胞中线粒体数目较多,中果期后期及成熟期在中央大液泡液泡膜附近有电子致密物质积累。研究认为,山茱萸果实中中果皮薄壁细胞为单宁物质积累的专属细胞,即单宁细胞,单宁物质的合成运输与液泡、囊泡以及线粒体的作用密切相关;成熟期山茱萸果实总单宁含量降低,涩味降低,表明单宁物质积累的动态变化与植物对环境的适应性和果实涩味息息相关,可结合代谢组和转录组的方法对山茱萸果实中单宁物质的合成机制进行进一步研究。     

Cuttlefish skin papilla morphology suggests a muscular hydrostatic function for rapid changeability

Coleoid cephalopods adaptively change their body patterns (color, contrast, locomotion, posture, and texture) for camouflage and signaling. Benthic octopuses and cuttlefish possess the capability, unique in the animal kingdom, to dramatically and quickly change their skin from smooth and flat to rugose and three‐dimensional. The organs responsible for this physical change are the skin papillae, whose biomechanics have not been investigated. In this study, small dorsal papillae from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) were preserved in their retracted or extended state, and examined with a variety of histological techniques including brightfield, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. Analyses revealed that papillae are composed of an extensive network of dermal erector muscles, some of which are arranged in concentric rings while others extend across each papilla's diameter. Like cephalopod arms, tentacles, and suckers, skin papillae appear to function as muscular hydrostats. The collective action of dermal erector muscles provides both movement and structural support in the absence of rigid supporting elements. Specifically, concentric circular dermal erector muscles near the papilla's base contract and push the overlying tissue upward and away from the mantle surface, while horizontally arranged dermal erector muscles pull the papilla's perimeter toward its center and determine its shape. Each papilla has a white tip, which is produced by structural light reflectors (leucophores and iridophores) that lie between the papilla's muscular core and the skin layer that contains the pigmented chromatophores. In extended papillae, the connective tissue layer appeared thinner above the papilla's apex than in surrounding areas. This result suggests that papilla extension might create tension in the overlying connective tissue and chromatophore layers, storing energy for elastic retraction. Numerous, thin subepidermal muscles form a meshwork between the chromatophore layer and the epidermis and putatively provide active papillary retraction. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Cytobiological studies on hemocyanin metabolism in the branchial heart complex of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Cephalopoda, Dibranchiata)

The present study confirms previous investigations that demonstrated a high copper content in the branchial heart and its appendage, and that gave the first indication that this organ complex might be involved in hemocyanin metabolism in Sepia officinalis L. Immunocytochemical localization of hemocyanin molecules within the endocytotic lysosomal system of the ovoid cells and tracer experiments with ¹²⁵I-labeled Sepia hemocyanin suggest its endocytotic uptake. Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis and histochemical methods reveal a high copper content within the ovoid cells of the branchial heart. In view of the turnover of the respiratory pigment in the branchial heart of Sepia officinalis L., we believe that the ovoid cells are a site of hemocyanin catabolism.     

Microstructural and histochemical advances on the digestive gland of the common cuttlefish,Sepia officinalis L.

The cephalopod digestive gland is a complex organ that, although analogous to the vertebrate liver, has additional functions, with special (albeit not exclusive) note on its active role in digestion. Although the structure of the digestive cell and its main constituents are well known (among which “boules” and brown bodies are distinctive features), histological details of other cell types and the general structure of the digestive gland need still further research. By a thorough combination of histological and histochemical techniques, it is shown that the digestive gland diverticula of the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis L.) are comprised of three essential cell types: digestive, basal and excretory. Basal (“pyramidal”) cells are multi-functional, being responsible for cell replacement and detoxification, mainly through the production of calcic spherulae containing metals like copper and lead in a complex organic matrix of proteins and ribonucleins. Since copper- and lead-positive spherulae were almost absent from other cell types and lumen of the tubules, it appears that controlled bioaccumulation of these metals, rather than excretion, is the main detoxification mechanism. The results show that the organ is crossed by an intricate network of blood vessels, especially arteries and arterioles, whose contents share histochemical properties with a particular set of “boules” that are shed into the lumen of diverticula for elimination, suggesting that the organ actively removes unwanted metabolites from the haemolymph. Conversely, the rarer excretory cells appear to be specialized in the elimination of salts. Although the exact nature of many excretory and secretory products, as the metabolic pathways that originate them, remain elusive, the findings suggest an intricate interaction between the different cell types and between these and the surrounding media: haemolymph and digestive tract.     

The physiology and morphology of two types of electrosensory neurons in the weakly electric fishApteronotus leptorhynchus

Summary Previous anatomical and physiological studies of the gymnotoid electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELLL) suggest that the anatomically identified basilar and non-basilar pyramidal cells correspond to the physiologically defined E and I cells. Intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into physiologically identified E and I cells confirms this hypothesis. The morphologies and physiological responses of the basilar and non-basilar pyramidal cells were compared. Both types of pyramidal cells have extensive apical dendritic trees that interact with a parallel fiber network in the ELLL. The apical dendritic trees of the non-basilar pyramidal cells have a wider spread along the rostrocaudal axis of the ELLL than those of the basilar pyramidal cells. This difference is discussed in reference to the interaction of these cell types with the parallel fibers of the ELLL. The density of apical dendritic branches was measured and related to the distance of these branches from the cell body. No obvious differences were seen between the dendritic density patterns of basilar and non-basilar pyramidal cells. An interesting correlation, however, exists between the atypical physiological characteristics of two basilar pyramidal cells and their dendritic density patterns. Two cells of the medial (ampullary) segment of the ELLL were analyzed. Like the pyramidal cells of the three lateral (tuberous) regions of the ELLL, the physiology of these cells appears to be related to the presence of an extended basilar process. The ampullary cells, however, have apical dendritic trees that are oriented orthogonally to the dendritic trees of the pyramidal cells.Abbreviations AM amplitude modulation - DML dorsal molecular layer - ELLL electrosensory lateral line lobe - EOD electric organ discharge - HRP horseradish peroxidase - LC lobus caudalis - Npd nucleus praeeminentialis dorsalis - PSTH post stimulus time histogram