Oogenesis of Tilapia mossambica. I. Oogonia and meiotic prophase oocytes

Using light and electron microscopy and autoradiography, the morphology and synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins in oogonia and early meiotic prophase oocytes in Tilaria mossabique were studied. According to dimensions and morphological features observed it is possible to distinguish between two groups of oogonia: large oogonia corresponding to type A spermatogonia of mammals, and small actively dividing oogonia, located in groups and identical to type B spermatogonia. The morphology of oogonia and of the early meiotic prophase oocytes well compares with the pattern described for other species of bony fishes. In the cytoplasm of these cells dense bodies, nuage-material, free ribosomes, large mitochondria with lamellar cristae and Golgi cisterns are available. In the oocyte nuclei at zygotene and pahytene stages 3H-thymidine incorporation was seen mainly into the nucleolus-associated chromatin. Besides, the formation of a heterochromatin cape and the synaptonemal complex was observed. Incorporation of 3H-uridine and 3H-leucine in the nuclei of these cells was very poor.     

Oogenesis in Hydra. III. The growth and fusion of the oocytes

The ultrastructure of oocytes in Hydra has been studied prior to the beginning of their phagocytic activity. The formation of Golgi complexes and vacuolar system by means of the rough endoplasmic reticulum budding and the formation of numerous enzymatic granules within the Golgi complex are considered with respect to the preparation of cells for the processes of phagocytosis and intracellular digestion of structures. The oocyte situated in the center of each accumulation of syncytially connected cells, descendants of one interstitial cell, becomes the egg, whereas all others are consumed by it and transform into endocytes. The partial and complete confluence of oocytes is described. In the first case, a part of cytoplasm of the cells surrounding the growing oocyte is torn away and included in this oocyte. In the second case, the confluence of large oocytes containing endocytes in their cytoplasm takes place. The growing oocyte forms pseudopodia and cytoplasmic processes which move apart the epithelial-muscle cells, reach the mesogloea and come in contact with the gastroderm cells. The role of these contacts in the oocyte growth is discussed.     

The induction of dominant lethal mutations in Tilapia mossambica by alkane sulphonic esters.

A serial mating system has been used to enable study of the effect of chemical mutagens in Tilapia mossambica. Embryopathies incompatible with survival are attributed to dominant lethal mutations induced in developing male germ cells by methyl methanesulphonate and the isomeric forms of dimethyl-myleran.     

A teleost (Tilapia mossambica) gonadotropin that resembles luteinizing hormone.

A purified gonadotropin preparation was obtained from pituitaries of a teleost fish ($\text{Tilapia}$$\text{mossambica}$). This gonadotropin was found to resemble LH in that it behaved identically to mammalian and non-mammalian LHs in several chromatographic systems, and stimulated testerone production in isolated rat Leydig cells. In this assay, specific for LH, the $\text{Tilapia}$ gonadotropin was less potent than mammalian LHs but significantly more active than avian, reptilian or amphibian LHs. The $\text{Tilapia}$ gonadotropin was found to be a glycoprotein; preliminary amino acid composition data show resemblances to both mammalian and non-mammalian LHs.     

The ultrastructure and calcification of the scales of Tilapia mossambica (Peters)

Summary The scales of Tilapia are surrounded by an envelope of scleroblasts responsible for the production of layers of collagen that constitute the bulk of the scale. The scleroblasts adjoining the lateral face of the oldest scale region gradually atrophy. New collagen layers are deposited against the inner face of the scale, the adjoining scleroblasts showing evidence of high metabolic activity. Calcification occurs by inotropic deposition of crystals alongside the fibres. There is no sharp demarcation between calcified and non-calcified scale regions, a calcification front gradually moving towards newly formed collagen layers. It is felt that fish scales should be considered as calcified derivatives of dermal collagen layers.     

New site of temporary storage of rRNA in O. mykiss previtellogenic oocytes

This article describes a new organelle found in the cytoplasm of the growth stage fish oocytes. In particular, we describe its organization at the morphological level and investigate its composition by different cytochemical and immunocytochemical approaches with both light and electron microscope. The conclusion is that the body is a peculiar protein scaffold functioning as a temporary trap for the storage of rRNA in the mid to late growth stage oocytes. Its presence would be related to the reorganization of the mass of amplified rDNA in micronucleoli and to the consequent temporary stop in the rRNA synthesis.     

The development of a saccus vasculosus in Tilapia mossambica Peters and other cichlids

Observations are made on the development and the presence of a Saccus Vasculosus in Tilapia mossambica and other cichlids.
In those cichlids that do not possess a saccus vasculosus the development of this organ is apparently suppressed in a very early stage of life.
A saccus vasculosus is present in all those American and Indian cichlids that were investigated, but this organ was not found in cichlids indigenous to the African continent.     

Pituitary cytology of the teleost fish Tilapia mossambica (Peters)

In the pituitary of Tilapia mossambica, eight cell types were identified on the basis of their staining reactions. the RPD consists of erythrosinophils and PbH positive cells. PbH cells border the NH and give amphipilic reaction to tri- and tetrachrome dyes and Halmi's stain. Erythrosinophils are also stained with acid fuchsin and orange G. The PPD is made up of acidophils and cyanophils. The acidophils are stained with orange G, acid fuchsin and erythrosin. These cells form a palisade zone between the neurohypophysis and the cyanophils. The cyanophils are AB, AF, ATh, PAS and aniline blue positive. They include both thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs and cannot be differentiated. The gonadotrophs may be those which are degranulated and vacuolated in the breeding season. The PI is formed of PAS- and PbH positive cells which lack any definite pattern of arrangement. Apart from the chromophils, scattered chromophobes were seen throughout the adenohypophysis. Occasionally, cells resembling the cyanophils of PPD were noticed in the RPD and PI also.     

Ultrastructural study of arterio-venous anastomoses in gill filaments of Tilapia mossambica

Cell and Tissue Research - Arterio-venous anastomoses (AVA) in gill filaments of Tilapia mossambica exhibit a distinct polarity. Two different types of highly specialized endothelial cells, both of...     

Source of a new crop of oocytes inTilapia mossambica

Summary 1. In the teleostTilapia mossambica (Peters), new crops of oocytes arise from nests of cells of the germinal epithelium as well as from the epithelial strands ramifying into the ovocoel.2. There is no evidence to indicate that degenerating follicle cells form a source for a new crop of oocytes.3. After one spawning is over, the follicular layer of the mature unspawned ova alone undergo atresia.4. Neither immature oocytes nor oocytes in the growth stages undergo degeneration.5. The occurrence of immature, maturing, and fully ripe ova in the ovary at a particular time account for asynchronism inTilapia mossambica.

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Origine des poussées ovocytaires chezTilapia mossambica

Extrait L'ovaire deTilapia mossambica a été étudié dans le but de préciser l'origine des poussées ovocytaires. Après la ponte l'ovaire n'est pas vide pour autant, et il y subsiste des ovocytes à tous les stades du développement. Les replis de l'épithélium germinatif et les tractus épithéliaux ramifiés contiennent des flots de cellules qui produisent des ovogonies primaires, lesquelles se transforment en ovocytes et en cellules folliculaires. Il ne semble pas qu'une nouvelle poussée ovocytaire puisse se faire à partir des résidus des follicules des ovocytes atrétiques. Seuls les ovules mûrs non évacués par la ponte subissent une atrésie et se résorbent; les ovocytes immatures ou en voie de croissance ne dégénèrent pas. L'asynchronisme deT. mossambica se traduit par la présence simultanée, dans l'ovaire, d'ovocytes à tous les stades de croissance et de maturation.

     

Aminopeptidase from the skeletal muscle of fresh water fish Tilapia mossambica

An aminopeptidase from the skeletal muscle of fish, Tilapia mossambica, was partially purified to 96-fold using salt precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and molecular sieve chromatography. The enzyme showed optimum activity between pH 6.5-7.5 at 43 degrees C and Vmax and Km of 14.36 units/mg and 0.059 mM respectively with alanine beta-naphthylamide as the substrate. The aminopeptidase having a molecular weight of 305 kDa was activated by sulphydryl compounds and Co2+ and inhibited by bestatin, puromycin and metal chelators. Inhibition caused by metal chelators could be reversed by the addition of Co2+. Inclusion of L-amino acids, particularly isoleucine and leucine, in the assay medium caused inhibition of the enzyme activity. Substrate specificity together with inhibition and activation pattern indicated that the enzyme is alanine aminopeptidase.     

The influence of exposure to low temperature on Tilapia mossambica Peters (Cichlidae).

In the cichlid teleost Tilapia mossambica secondary chill coma following exposure to 11° C in freshwater is associated with decreases in plasma osmolarity, sodium and chloride ion concentrations. Fish exposed in seawater diluted to give a NaCl concentration of 5%0 show no signs of coma nor are there decreases in osmolarity or sodium and chloride ion concentrations.
It is suggested that the restrictions of T. mossambica to estuaries at the southern end of its distribution in southern Africa relates to the maintenance of near normal sodium and chloride ion concentrations at low temperatures during winter.     

Environmental salinity and sodium and chloride exchanges across the gill of Tilapia mossambica.

10 Freshwater-(FW)-adapted, one-third seawater (1/3 SW)-adapted and seawater (SW) adapted Tilapia mossambica were compared for their branchial Na+ influx and efflux as well as Cl- efflux. Na+ and Cl- effluxes were identical. Rates of effluxes were in 1/3 SW- and in SW-adapted fish 10 times and 200 times higher respectively than in FW specimens. 20 Shock due to handling and transfer to small experimental chambers induced, within 20 to 45 min., a considerable increase in Na+ efflux and a more discrete augmentation of the Na+ influx. 30 Branchial Mg++-and Na+-K+ activated ATPase activities increased significantly upon adaptation from FW to 1/3 SW. No significant increase was apparent upon adaptation from 1/3 SW to SW. 40 The trans-branchial potential observed in SW Tilapia resembled the pattern previously described in other species of teleosts.