The structure of the chambered nautilus siphuncle: The siphuncular epithelium

The siphuncle of the chambered nautilus (Nautilus macromphalus) is composed of a layer of columnar epithelial cells resting on a vascularized connective tissue base. The siphuncular epithelium taken from chambers that have not yet begun to be emptied of cameral liquid has a dense apical brush border. The great number of apical cell junctions (zonula adherens) compared to the number of nuclei suggests extensive interdigitation of these cells. The perinuclear cytoplasm of these preemptying cells is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum. The siphuncular epithelium of both emptying and “old” siphuncle (which has already completed emptying its chamber) both show little rough endoplasmic reticulum but do contain extensive systems of mitochondria-lined infoldings of the basolateral plasma membranes. Active transport of NaCl into the extracellular space of this tubular system probably entrains the water transport involved in the chamber-emptying process. Both emptying and old siphuncular epithelium also show large basal infoldings (canaliculi) continuous with the hemocoel, which appear to be filled with hemocyanin. The apical cell junctions of emptying and old siphuncular epithelium contain septate desmosomes that may help to prevent back-flow of cameral liquid into the chambers.     

Unusual transfer cells in the epithelium of the nectaries ofAsclepias curassavica L.

Summary The secretory cells of the nectaries ofAsclepias curassavica form a glandular epithelium in the inner parts of the stigmatic chambers. They resemble transfer cells in having many infoldings of the plasmalemma. The wall protuberances, however, are poorly developed and often lacking. The plasmalemma is highly convoluted and forms, in places, external compound membranes where the extracytoplasmic space is collapsed completely. Active glands contain dilated cisternae of the ER and large vesicles which are mainly associated with the cis face of the dictyosomes. In addition, small vesicles are observed in high number. It is discussed whether the secretion is granulocrine or eccrine and whether the enlargement of the plasmalemma is the cause or the consequence of the high secretory activity. After the secretory phase the outer peripheral part of the cytoplasm disintegrates. The remaining part of the protoplast is covered by a new plasmalemma.     

The ultrastructure of malpighian tubules and the chemical composition of the cocoon of Aeolothrips intermedius Bagnall (Thysanoptera)

The secretory activity of the two branched malpighian tubules (MTs) of the second‐instar larva in Aeolothrips intermedius is described. MTs of adult thrips have the typical ultrastructure of excretory epithelium with apical microvilli containing long mitochondria and a rich system of basal membrane infoldings. In the second‐instar larva just before pupation, the ultrastructure of MT epithelial cells is dramatically different, and there are numerous huge Golgi systems in the cytoplasm. These cells are involved in an intense secretory activity to produce an electron‐dense product which is released into the MTs lumen. This secretion is extruded from the hindgut and used by the second‐instar larva to build an elaborate protective cocoon for pupation. Electron‐spray‐ionization mass spectrometry analysis of the cocoon revealed the presence of a β‐N‐acetyl‐glucosamine, the main component of chitin, which is also present in the cocoons of Neuroptera and some Coleoptera. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The embryonic development of the intestinal mucosa with special reference to its epithelium

Electron microscopic examinations were made of different parts of the bovine intestine (n = 13) up to the 10th week of embryonic development. During the 'phase of undifferentiated epithelium' the embryonic intestinal epithelium can be classified as stratified and is perhaps a pool of cells. Microvilli of the apical plasmalemma appear at first in neighboring and opposing cells in the centre of the epithelium. They already show microfilaments as well as a glycocalix. The supranuclear cytoplasm shows many granules, vesicles and arciform structures which may be used in the process of microvilli formation. The importance of infranuclear basal granules in the peripheral epithelial cells is still unknown; perhaps they are merely phylogenetic remnants of a principle of development common to all vertebrate intestines. Single cilia which are formed in the periluminal cytoplasm presumably suppress mitotic activities of the epithelial cells and induce their ensuing differentiation. Epithelial proliferation is the initial event of villigenesis, giving rise to epithelial primary villi. Immediately following is the formation of secondary villi during proliferation of the mesenchyme.     

Morphological,ultrastructural and histochemical investigation of epipodial sensory structures of Haliotis tuberculata (Gastropoda: Haliotidae)

In this study, we describe the microstructure and ultrastructure of the epipodial papillae and epipodial tentacles of Haliotis tuberculata using light and electron microscopy. The epipodial papillae vary morphologically; they are subdivided into several subpapillae whose surface is covered by small micropapillae. The epipodial tentacles are large extendable conically elongated structures whose surface is differentiated in two regions: the dorsal region with long corrugated folds, and a ventral region composed of three parts, a basal part with the same structure as the dorsal, a middle part with shorter corrugated folds and an apical part with large micropapillae. Although the thin sections and ultrastructure examination show that the epithelium of both organs is morphologically similar and composed of supporting cells, sensory cells and different types of secretory cells, there is a certain specialization in their secretory product. Although the epithelium of both structures was positive for acidic glycoconjugates, the tentacle epithelium was also positive for neutral sugars. Further specific differences were revealed by lectin histochemistry. Because papillae and tentacles can be extended or retracted depending on environmental conditions, they probably have tactile and olfactory functions.     

Light and electron microscopic study of the hindgut of the ant (Formica nigricans, hymenoptera): I. Structure of the ileum

The study of the ileum of the ant Formica nigricans by light and electron microscopy revealed the existence of three differentiated regions: proximal, middle, and distal ileum. The middle region constitutes most of the length of the organ. Its wall is made up by a folded simple epithelium lined by a cuticle, which is surrounded by an inner circular muscle layer and various external longitudinal muscle fibers adjacent to the hemolymph. A subepithelial space is present between the epithelium and the circular muscle layer. Epithelial cells show extensive infoldings of the apical, and to a lesser extent the basolateral plasma membrane. Apical infoldings are characterized by the presence of 10-nm particles (portasomes) covering the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Mitochondria are abundant throughout the cytoplasm, although they mainly are present underneath the apical infoldings. Lateral borders of epithelial cells display an apical junctional complex, mainly constituted by a long and convoluted pleated septate junction. These features support the view that epithelial cells in the middle ileum are specialized in ion solutes and water transport. The proximal ileum connects with the ampulla into which the Malpighian tubules drain. As opposed to the middle ileum, epithelial cells of the proximal ileum show less developed basolateral infoldings, and the apical plasma membrane is devoid of portasomes and only occasionally invaginates. These features suggest that the proximal ileum plays no relevant role in ion and water transport. The distal ileum penetrates into the rectal sac, forming a valve-like structure; this region presumably controls the amount of urine reaching the rectum.     

The fine structure of the retina in the Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica). I. Pigment Epithelium and its Vascular Barrier

The uItrastructure oft he pigment epithelium and its vascular barrier was examined in the Japanese quail by electron microscopy. Most endothelial pores in the choriocapillaris appear bridged by double diaphragms. The pigment epithelium is characterized by numerous slender basal infoldings, myeloid bodies and phagosomes. Myeloid bodies communicate with the nuclear envelope and profiles of both the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.Phagosome formation appears to be accomplished by concomitant activity of the rod itself (curling of apical lamellae) and the apical villi of the pigment epithelium. Within the pigment epithelium cytoplasm the phagosomes undergo degeneration and are associated with increased numbers of lysosomal-like granules.     

Water and solute transport by the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect,Carausius morosus

Summary Structural features of the principal, urine-secreting cells (type 1 cells) of the Malpighian tubules of Carausius are de scribedquantitatively and discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of water and solute transport. Mitochondria are arranged in two bands of about equal volume near to the basal and apical surfaces, suggesting active processes occur at both surfaces. Basal infoldings and apical microvilli which greatly amplify the cell surface are probably primarily devices to increase the passive permeability of the tissue to solutes. They do not provide functionally significant standing-osmotic-gradients. The extensive endoplasmic reticulum is locally differentiated into several components and ramifies between the infoldings and along microvilli but probably is not an intracellular conduit for the majority of urinary constituents. Vesicles and stages in their formation or liberation are observed both basally and apically although they probably do not contribute significantly to transcellular transport. At present it remains a problem to satisfactorily account for observations that the urine of Carausius can be hypotonic.This investigation formed part of a dissertation for the degree of Ph. D. in the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a pleasure to thank Prof. J. Shaw for his advice and encouragement and the Science Research Council for financial support.     

Fine structure and absorption of ferritin in the digestive organs of Loligo vulgaris and L. Forbesi (Cephalopoda,Teuthoidea)

The digestive organs possibly involved in food absorption in Loligo vulgaris and L. forbesi are the caecum, the intestine, the digestive gland, and the digestive duct appendages. The histology and the fine structure showed that the ciliated organ, the caecal sac, and the intestine are lined with a ciliated epithelium. The ciliary rootlets are particularly well developed in the ciliated organ, apparently in relation to its function of particle collection. Mucous cells are present in the ciliated organ and the intestine. Histologically, the digestive gland appears rather different from that of other cephalopods. However, the fine structure of individual types of squid digestive cell is actually similar to that of comparable organs in other species, and the squid cells undergo the same stages of activity. Digestive cells have a brush border of microvilli, and numerous vacuoles, which sometimes contain “brown bodies.” However, no “boules” (conspicuous protein inclusions of digestive cells in other species) could be identified in their cytoplasm; instead only secretory granules are present. In the digestive duct appendages, numerous membrane infoldings associated with mitochondria are characteristic features of the epithelial cells in all cephalopods. Two unusual features were observed in Loligo: first, the large size of the lipid inclusions in the digestive gland, in the caecal sac, and in the digestive duct appendages; and second, the large number of conspicuous mitochondria with well-developed tubular cristae. When injected into the caecal sac, ferritin molecules can reach the digestive gland and the digestive duct appendages via the digestive ducts, and they are taken up by endocytosis in the digestive cells. Thus, it appears that the digestive gland of Loligo can act as an absorptive organ as it does in other cephalopods.     

Morphology and fine structure of the gravid uterus of three hymenolepidid tapeworm species (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda)

Summary

The ultrastructure of the uterus in gravid proglottids of Hymenolepis citelli, Vampirolepis nana and Vampirolepis microstoma was examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The cellular and subcellular structures were similar in all three species, consisting basically of a syncytial layer attached to a basal extracellular matrix. All nuclei were juxtaluminal and each contained a single large centrally located nucleolus and prominent masses of central and peripheral heterochromatin. The cytoplasm showed evidence suggesting a high level of protein synthesis and secretion. It consisted primarily of granular endoplasmic reticulum with moderately dilated cisternae; most cisternae were completely filled with an electron-lucent flocculent material, but others contained electrondense granules. Free ribosomes and mitochondria were also present. The apical plasma membrane and a small amount of enclosed cytoplasm were folded into long microlamellae that extended into the uterine lumen. Larger epithelial folds and villi consisting of folded portions of the entire epithelium projected into the uterine lumen. The uterine epithelium along with its basul extracellular matrix and underlying cellular parenchyma were folded into the lumen at several points, forming epitheliomesenchymal folds and villi that closely apposed many of the eggs.     

Choroid plexus and paraphysis in lower vertebrates

Cytoarchitecture of the choroid plexus of the third ventricle and the paraphysis was investigated in some lower vertebrates to compare the histologic characteristics of these organs. Both epithelia are similar in appearance in the same class. Minor microscopic variations exist in the different classes of vertebrates, but do not provide a fundamental distinction between the two organs. The epithelia, moreover, have similar staining properties, contain mucicarmine- and PAS-reactive materials, and are derived from a common neuroepithelium. Tubules are identified in the choroid plexus and in the paraphysis; all are similarly formed by simple folding of epithelium on the surface into the stroma. The paraphyses in all vertebrates studied contain villi similar to those seen in the choroid plexus. Cilia are identified in both choroidal and paraphyseal epithelia, and are not an indication of degree of epithelial differentiation. Many types of epithelium are noted in both organs during histologic differentiation as well as in the mature stage. Functionally, the choroid plexus is active in both secretion and absorption. Accumulation of particulate material within the epithelial cytoplasm may indicate phagocytic as well as absorptive activity of cells. Based on a common neuroepithelial origin and similar histochemical properties, we conclude that the paraphysis is a modified choroid plexus. The velum transversum is an arbitrary boundary between diencephalon and telencephalon, and is itself formed of choroid plexus. The medial telencephalic ventricle is the rostral portion of the third ventricle. All neuroepithelial infoldings at the rostral end of the diencephalic roof including the velum transversum are intraventricular choroid plexuses; the neuroepithelial outpouchings in this region are the extraventricular choroid plexuses (paraphysis) of the diencephalon.     

Ultrastructure of human labial salivary glands. 3. Myoepithelium and ducts

Myoepithelial cells were present between the basal lamina and the acinar secretory cells of human labial salivary glands. In form and disposition, they resembled myoepithelial cells in the major salivary glands. Many of these cells possessed single cilia on their upper surfaces. Such cilia occasionally extended into invaginations of the overlying secretory cell. The intercalated ducts were variable in occurrence. Their epithelium ranged from columnar to squamous, and showed few signs of secretory activity. Few intralobular ducts possessed basal striations. While mitochondria were abundant in non-striated cells, they were randomly disposed in both basal and apical cytoplasm, and the basal plasmalemma showed only occasional infoldings. The paucity of true striated ducts in labial salivary glands may be responsible for the high concentration of sodium and chloride in unstimulated labial gland salivary secretions.     

The Ultrastructure of the Proboscis in Psammorhynchus tubulipenis Karling, 1964 and Cytocystis clitellatus Karling, 1953 (Platyhelminthes,Rhabdocoela)

The ultrastructural organization of the proboscis in two species of free-living Platyhelminthes, Psammorhynchus tubulipenis and Cytocystis clitellatus is very alike but differs from previously described species. Both sheath and cone epithelium are composed of two circumferential belts. Only the basal cone epithelium is syncytial, while no nuclei were found in the distal belt of the sheath epithelium. The sheath epithelium is characterized by numerous infoldings of the basal plasma membrane. The nuclei present in the bulb belong to the proximal belt of the sheath epithelium and the apical cone epithelium. Nuclei of the basal cone epithelium are located insunk behind the proboscis bulb. The insunk cell parts pierce the septum of the bulb laterally near the proximal end. Different types of gland necks and sensory cells pierce the epithelia. Associated with the distal belt of the sheath epithelium, two sensory organs are found, containing multiciliary receptors with modified axonemata. Differences in organization of the proboscis musculature are described and compared with the organization in other species. The systematic position of both species is discussed in the light of the new findings.     

The ultrastructure of the zymogen cells in Hydra viridis

Summary The zymogenic secretory cells of Hydra viridis are scattered between the digestive muscle cells of the gastric region. The mature zymogenic cells are located along the apical surface of the gastrodermal epithelium and contain numerous spherical secretory droplets. They appear to differentiate from stem cells located near the mesoglea. These stem cells resemble epidermal interstitial cells and are filled with free ribosomes. They differ from the interstitial cell in that they usually possess a small amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum. During the process of differentiation they elaborate a highly organized system of granular endoplasmic reticulum. This system becomes dispersed into vesicles as the secretory product is synthesized. There is no indication that the Golgi apparatus participates directly in the formation of the secretory droplets, and there is no indication of a membrane bounding the mature secretory droplet.The fate of the zymogenic cell following the discharge of its secretory product was not determined. It is possible that these cells revert back to a stage resembling the stem cell before resynthesizing a new supply of secretion. In this case the normal secretory process would be very similar to the events described in the dedifferentiation of the zymogenic cells during regeneration.This work was supported by Grant number GB-3262 from the National science Foundation.     

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.     

Coxal organs in geophilomorpha (Chilopoda). Organization and fine structure of the transporting epithelium

Summary The coxal organs of different Geophilomorpha were studied by scanning and by transmission electron microscopy.1) The coxae of the last trunk-segment contain pores in different arrangements and numbers. They are the openings of the coxal organs.2) The coxal organs are formed by four different cell types: the main epithelium consists of radially arranged transporting cells, surrounded by junctional cells, gland cells, and the cells of the pore channel.3) The cells of the transporting epithelium show an enlargement of the apical and basal surface. Deep and narrow extracellular channels of the apical infoldings are closely associated by mitochondria (plasmalemma-mitochondrial complexes). The epithelium is covered by a prominent cuticle with a spacious subcuticle.4) A distinct mucous layer covers the cuticle of the transporting epithelia, and is secreted by the gland cells.5) A small cellular sheath separates the epithelium of the coxal organ against the haemolymph.6) The possible function of the coxal organs in ion and fluid transport is discussed.     

Sperm storage by spermatodoses in the spermatheca of Trioza alacris (Flor, 1861) hemiptera,psylloidea, triozidae: A structural and ultrastructural study

Female insects generally store sperm received during mating in specific organs of their reproductive tract, i.e., the spermathecae, which keep the sperm alive for a long time until fertilization occurs. We investigated spermatheca morphology and ultrastructure in the psylloidean insect Trioza alacris (Flor, 1861 ) in which spheroidal sperm packets that we refer to as ‘spermatodoses’ are found after mating. The ectoderm‐derived epithelium of the sac‐shaped spermatheca that has a proximal neck, consists of large secretory and flat cuticle‐forming cells. Secretory cells are characterized by a wide extracellular cavity, bordered by microvilli, in which electron‐dense secretion accumulates before discharge into the spermathecal lumen. The cuticle‐forming cells produce the cuticular intima of the organ and a peculiar specialized apical structure, through which secretion flows into the lumen. At mating, the male transfers bundles of sperm cells embedded in seminal fluid into the spermathecal neck. Sperm cells proceed towards the spermathecal sac lumen, where they are progressively compacted and surrounded with an envelope that also encloses secretions of both male and female origin. We describe the formation of these sperm containing structures and document the contribution of the female secretion to spermatodose or female‐determined spermatophore construction. We also discuss the choice of the term ‘spermatodose’ for T. alacris and suggest it be used to refer to sperm masses constructed in the female reproductive organs, at least when they involve the contribution of female secretion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Fine structure of the midgut of Sinopanorpa tincta (Navás) (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

Fine structure of the midgut and degeneration of the midgut epithelium of the scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Navás) adults were investigated using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the tubular midgut lacks gastric caeca and is composed of an outer longitudinal and an inner circular muscle layer, a basal lamina, an epithelium and a lumen from the outside to inside. A peritrophic membrane was not found in the lumen. A mass of nodules was observed on the surface of the basal lamina. Three types of cells were recognized in the epithelium: digestive, secretory, and regenerative cells. The digestive cells contain irregular-shaped infoldings in the basal membrane and two types of microvilli in the apical membrane. The secretory cells are characterized by irregular shape and large quantities of secretory granules in the basal cytoplasm. The regenerative cells are triangular in shape and distributed only in the nodules. The epithelial cells are degenerated through programmed cell-death mechanisms (apoptosis and necrosis). The type, function, and degeneration of the epithelial cells of the midgut are briefly discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the sexual segments of the kidney in male and female lizards,Cnemidophorus l. lemniscatus (L.)

Summary Kidneys of adult male and female lizards were studied by electron microscopy, in order to understand the ultrastructure of the collecting duct and a differentiated part thereof, the sexual segment, which is an important accessory sexual organ. First portion of sexual segment in males: The cells are filled with large secretory granules of a wide range of opacities. The granular endoplasmic reticulum is abundant; basal formations of superimposed flat cisternae are frequent. Distended vesicles and microvesicles prevail in the supranuclear, well developed Golgi apparatus. Evidences indicate that secretion of these cells is holocrine. Second portion of sexual segment in males: All of the secretory granules are apical in location and relatively electron-opaque; they show a denser core. This core is formed by a substance which, after lying in contact with ribosomes, enters the secretory vesicles of the highly developed Golgi apparatus. A lighter substance is then condensed around it. The secretion of the granules is merocrine. The granular endoplasmic reticulum is very abundant in these cells, but basal ergastoplasmic formations are lacking. Sexual segment in females: The cells show features similar to those of the male first portion, but they are smaller. Undifferentiated collecting duct: Most of the cells are mucigenic. They have small ovoid, apical secretory granules. The density of the granules varies from cell to cell; when they are electron-lucent, they exhibit laminar or dotted opaque figures. Moderately developed Golgi apparatus and granular endoplasmic reticulum, as well as elongated mitochondria, occur in mucigenic cells. Intercalated among the latter are non-secretory cells. They have very abundant mitochondria, numerous microvilli, many pinocytic and smooth-membrane vesicles, whereas the organelles participating in synthetic processes are poorly developed; their function is most likely related to active solute transport.     

Light and electron microscopy study of the salivary glands of the carnivorous opisthobranch Philinopsis depicta (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

Cephalaspideans are a group of opisthobranch gastropods that comprises carnivorous and herbivorous species, allowing an investigation of the relationship between these diets and the morphofunctional features of the salivary glands. In this study, the salivary glands of the carnivorous cephalaspidean Philinopsis depicta were observed by light and electron microscopy. The secretory epithelium of these ribbon-shaped glands is formed by ciliated cells, granular cells and cells with apical vacuole. In ciliated cells the nucleus and most cytoplasmic organelles are located in the wider apical region and a very thin stalk reaches the base of the epithelium. These cells possess significant amounts of glycogen. Granular cells are packed with electron-dense secretory granules and also contain several cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi stacks. The other type of secretory cell is mainly characterized by the presence of a large apical vacuole containing secretion. These cells possess high amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and several Golgi stacks. Vesicles with peripheral electron-dense material are also abundant, and seem to fuse to form the apical vacuole. The available data point out to a significant difference between the salivary glands of carnivorous and herbivorous cephalaspidean opisthobranchs, with an intensification of protein secretion in carnivorous species.