Ultrastructure of the biflagellate spermatozoon of tomopteris helgolandica greef, 1879 (annelida,polychaeta)

The spermatozoon of the polychaete Tomopteris helgolandica is of an aberrant type with two flagella, each measuring about 40μm. The nucleus is roughly conical and weakly bent. At the anterior end it is rounded and covered only by the nuclear and plasma membranes. Membraneous, electron-dense structures are applied laterally to the nucleus. These structures may have a helical arrangement. The middle piece contains about ten mitochondria, two centrioles, and two centriolar satellite complexes. The centriolar regions are connected with the posterior part of the nucleus. The axonemes of the two tail flagella lack the usual central complex with central tubules, radial spokes, or related structures. No arms seem to be present on the A tubules of the doublets. In the middle piece the tail flagella are surrounded by invaginations of the plasma membrane forming flagellar canals. The sperm has a bilateral symmetry whereas the primitive sperm has a radial symmetry. The occurrence of two tail flagella in this spermatozoon has no phylogenetical connection with biflagellate spermatozoa in other animal groups. A series of mutations has resulted in the development of two flagella emerging from the two centrioles, the lack of a central complex in the axoneme, and the lack of a typical acrosome. In the Polychaeta, sperm structure is generally more related to function that to phylogenetics. During swimming the spermatozoon of Tomopteris rotates around its longitudinal axis.     

Fluorescence and ultrastructural localization of aminergic neurons in the nerve cord of Eisenia foetida (Annelida—Oligochaeta)

Summary The aminergic nature of the CV neurons present in the genital segments of the nerve cord of Eisenia foetida is demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and by the chromaffin reaction modified for electron microscopy.     

The fine structure of polychaete septate junctions

Summary Epidermal septate junctions of Nereis sp. and Cirriformia sp. fixed with OsO₄ or glutaraldehyde/OsO₄ display variable structure in electron micrographs. In transverse section the septa are often indistinct and obscured by opaque material that fills the junctional cleft. Septa (spaced at 180–280 Å) are more clearly defined in slightly oblique transverse section; they exhibit an electron lucent center and appear to be linked by arms. En face views of the junction show a honeycomb pattern. Cytoplasmic faces of junctional membranes are backed with plaques opposite the septa. Lanthanum used as a tracer delineates junctional structure in negative contrast. In transverse section a chain-like lattice is present in the junctional cleft. En face views show parallel rows of pleated elements often linked by arms into honeycomb arrays. Oblique sections demonstrate that these pleated elements are continuous with the chain-like lattice seen in transverse sections. Lanthanum does not pass entirely through the junction. Lanthanum reveals that the septa have a very intricate substructure, but it is difficult to visualize the architecture that could generate the various images presented by these junctions when seen in different orientations. However, it is clear that these junctions possess some features that are diagnostic of several supposedly different types of septate junctions in invertebrates.Supported by USPHS grants NIH 5 P01 NS-07512, NIH 2701 GM-00102, and NB-00840, and by a grant from the Pomona College Research CommitteeI thank Sarah Wurzelmann, Stanley Brown, Nancy Kelly, and Gerhard Ott for excellent technical assistance. Portions of this study were carried out while I was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I dedicate this article to Berta Scharrer as a token of appreciation and affection for her guidance, encouragement, inspiration, and example of excellence     

Myelinated nerve cell perikaryon in mouse spinal cord

Summary In the thoracic cord (posterior horn region) of a wild mouse, we have observed a small nerve cell soma completely enveloped by a myelin sheath. The number of myelin lamellae varied between 7 and 12. In one place, the existence of an inner mesoperikaryon could also be shown. The significance of this fortuitous finding has not yet been explained.

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Zusammenfassung Im Thorakalmark (Hinterhornbereich) einer Wildmaus wurde ein kleines Nervenzellperikaryon beobachtet, das vollständig von einer Markscheide umhüllt war. Die Zahl der Markscheidenlamellen variierte zwischen 7 und 12. An einer Stelle konnte ein sogenanntes inneres Mesoperikaryon nachgewiesen werden. Die Bedeutung dieses zufällig erhobenen Befundes ist vorerst noch offen.

     

The fine structure of the guinea-pig muscle spindle

Summary Nuclear bag and nuclear chain intrafusal fibres are present in guinea-pig muscle spindles. Unlike muscle spindles in other species two types of nuclear chain fibre seem to be present. The electron microscopical appearance of one type of nuclear chain fibre is similar to that of nuclear bag fibres.It is suggested that under tension the nuclei of small nuclear bag fibres become sufficiently displaced to form nuclear chain-like fibres. The frequent occurrence of fibres which combine some of the properties of both nuclear bag and nuclear chain fibres indicates the possible occurrence of a third type of intrafusal fibre.The sensory innervation of guinea-pig muscle spindles is similar to that of the cat and the rat. Three types of motor nerve ending which could be classified according to the complexity of their subneural apparatus were seen.     

The fine structure of the stomach mucosa of the llama (Llama guanacoe)

Summary The epithelium of the fundic region mucosa of the hind stomach in the Llama guanacoe has been studied using morphological and histochemical methods. Morphology suggests that solute and water absorption may occur in the epithelium of the surface and of the foveolae, although this absorption can not be estimated because of the extensive secretion of the gastric glands. The same cells of the surface and foveolar epithelium show numerous secretory granules. The glands reveal neck cells, chief cells, a large number of oxyntic cells, four types of endocrine cells (A-like, ECL, D and EC), brush cells and wandering cells. PAS and Alcian blue reactions for light microscopy suggest a secretion of neutral and acidic mucosubstances in the surface and foveolar epithelium, of neutral mucosubstances only in the neck cells. Periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide silver proteinate (PA-TCH-SP) reaction for electron microscopy confirms the presence of neutral mucosubstances within the secretory granules of the surface, foveolar and neck epithelial cells. In all these cells, the reaction product is also evident within sacculi and vesicles of the maturing surface of the Golgi apparatus. A positive PA-TCH-SP reaction also occurs on the membrane (and not on the contents) of the Golgi apparatus (maturing surface) and of the secretory granules of the chief cells as well as on the membrane of the Golgi apparatus and of apical vesicles and tubules of the oxyntic cells. In addition, silver granules slightly enhance the electron density of the contents of the secretory granules in the endocrine cells. Morphological and histochemical findings are discussed and compared with results described by others for monogastric mammals.     

The fine structure of the female reproductive system of Zorotypus caudelli Karny (Zoraptera)

The general structure of the female genital system of Zorotypus caudelli is described. The ovarioles are of the panoistic type. Due to the reduction of the envelope (tunica externa) the ovarioles are in direct contact with the hemolymph like in some other insect groups, Plecoptera included. The calices are much larger in Z. caudelli then in Zorotypus hubbardi and their epithelial cells produce large amounts of secretions, probably protecting the surface of the eggs deposited on the substrate. Eggs taken from the calyx bear a series of long fringes, which are missing in the eggs found in the ovariole, and in other zorapteran species. The long sperm of Z. caudelli and the long spermathecal duct are likely related to a sexual isolating mechanism (cryptic female choice), impeding female re-mating. The apical receptacle and the spermathecal duct - both of ectodermal origin - consist of three cell types. In addition to the cells beneath the cuticle lining the lumen, two other cell types are visible: secretory and canal cells. The cytoplasm of the former is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and Golgi complexes, which produce numerous discrete dense secretory bodies. These products are released into the receiving canal crossing the extracellular cavity of secretory cells, extending over a series of long microvilli. The secretion is transported towards the lumen of the apical receptacle of the spermatheca or to that of the spermathecal duct by a connecting canal formed by the canal cells. It is enriched by material produced by the slender canal cells. Before mating, the sperm cells are enveloped by a thick glycocalyx produced at the level of the male accessory glands, but it is absent when they have reached the apical receptacle, and also in the spermathecal duct lumen. It is likely removed by secretions of the spermatheca. The eggs are fertilized at the level of the common oviduct where the spermathecal duct opens. Two micropyles at the dorsal side of the equator level possibly facilitate fertilization. The presence of these two micropyles is a presumably derived feature shared with Phasmatodea. The fine structure of the female reproductive system of Z. caudelli does not allow to assess the phylogenetic position at the present stage of knowledge. The enlarged calyx and the temporary presence of long fringes on the eggs are potential autapomorphies of Z. caudelli or may indicate relationships with other Zorotypus species.     

The fine structural localization of acetylcholinesterase in the muscle spindle of the rat

Summary Muscle spindles from lumbricalis muscles of the rat were incubated for acetylcholinesterase with a modified thiocholine-method of Lewis and Shute and examined by light and electron microscopy.All types of motor nerve ending showed heavy deposits of reaction product in the synaptic cleft. The underlying sarcoplasmic reticulum, transverse tubular system, and, when present, the envelope of sole plate nuclei were also stained.In the sensory region, the reaction was negative in the interface between the plasma membranes of the primary sensory terminal and muscle. One of two secondary sensory endings identified showed distinct reaction product in the cleft; the other secondary sensory ending showed no such reaction.Precipitates were present on the sarcolemma of the intrafusal muscle fibers in the polar and adjacent myotube regions, but not at the spindle equator. Extrafusal and intrafusal myelinated -nerve fibers and preterminal motor axons showed staining of the axolemma. Fibers with thick myelin sheaths and preterminal sensory axons were free of acetylcholinesterase activity, as were the unmyelinated nerve fibers.We wish to thank Mrs. D. Schilling and Mrs. Ch. Beyer for technical assistanc     

Sodium-dependence of amino acid transport by the nephridia of Sabella pavonina (annelida,polychaeta)

• 1.1. In the absence of sodium, the reabsorption rate of amino acid α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) by the nephridia of Sabella pavonina is reduced to 20% and the AIB accumulation in the cells is reduced to 10%. These results suggest the presence of sodium-dependant processes.
• 2.2. The observed processes are reversible when control conditions are re-established.
• 3.3. A minimum of 17mEq/l Na⁺ is required to restore the normal reabsorption rate.
• 4.4. The addition ofamiloride (10⁻³⁵ M) decreases the reabsorption rate, but to a lesser extent than the absence of sodium.

     

The fine structure of the pancreatic nerves of the domestic fowl

Summary The fine structure of the pancreatic nerves of the domestic fowl has been studied. Naked axon beadings were found in membranous contact with endocrine as well as exocrine cells. From an anatomical point of view it seems reasonable to suggest that the endocrine glands might be subjected to some influence of the autonomic nervous system.     

Evidence of coelomic substances inducing genital maturation inPerinereis cultrifera (annelida polychaeta)

Summary Two peptides (B₁ and B₂) have been isolated from the coelomic fluid ofPerinereis cultrifera. These peptides are absent in sexually undifferentiated animals. They appear and become abundant during the oocyte submaturity stage. When B₁ and B₂ are simultaneously injected into very young females, they stimulate an important biosynthesis of oocyte glycoconjugates (certical alveoli). Injected separately, B₁ or B₂ leads to an oocyte structure similar to that of an anhormonal state. The modes of these actions were discussed.     

The fine structure of the newborn rat adrenal cortex

Summary The structural changes of the zona juxtamedullaris of the rat adrenal cortex at birth, have been examined by the light and the electron microscope. In this zone clusters of medullary cells lying among the strands of cortical tissue were observed. In the inner portion of the zona juxtamedullaris two types of adrenocortical cells were found: light and very-dark cells. The latter are smaller than the light cells and are always in close connection with the medullary tissue. The ultrastructural features of the very-dark cells suggest that these elements are in degeneration. This finding supports the hypothesis that at birth there is a partial degeneration of the rat zona juxtamedullaris, i.e. the zone corresponding to the fetal zone of some mammalian species.It is proposed that in all mammalian species at birth there is a partial regression of the zona juxtamedullaris and that the regression of the fetal zone is only the quantitative increase of this phenomenon. This hypothesis is discussed in relation to numerous data demonstrating that there are enzymatic conditions in the rat during fetal life, which permit a discrete hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex.The author wishes to express his appreciation to Dr. A. Gambino and to Mr. G. Gottardo for technical assistance.     

Oxygen consumption and feeding rates of the sabellid polychaete, Myxicola infundibulum (Renier)

1. Rates of respiration and feeding were measured for the sabellid polychaete, Myxicola infundibulum. 2. Basal rates of respiration were 1.5 times lower than routine rates. 3. Clearance and irrigation rates were independent of cell type when the worms were fed on monocultures of algae; however, preferential selection was seen when the algal species were offered simultaneously. 4. Calculations indicate that this species can meet its energetic needs at rather low cell densities. 5. It is suggested that these low energy requirements, coupled with the capacity for high pumping/clearing rates may be of adaptive significance in reducing competition for food resources.     

The fine structure of the conducting system of the monkey heart (Macaca mulatta)

Summary In the sino-atrial (S-A) node of the monkey heart two types of muscle cells occur: 1. typical nodal cells which are the predominant cells and form the nodal fibers. 2. Intercalated clear cells with various diameters (4 to 12 m) and containing poorly developed myofibrils, rich in glycogen and demonstrating poor staining properties. These latter cells are dispersed, few in number, and never form discrete fibers of themselves, but are intercalated between the cell rows of the typical nodal fibers. Such intercalated clear cells become more numerous at the periphery of the node. Interconnection between the S-A node and the conventional atrial muscle is established by a progressive transformation of nodal fibers into atrial fibers producing an intermediate (or junctional) type of fiber at the nodal periphery. However, in addition, few nodal fibers make direct contact with the atrial cardiocytes. Our light and EM studies have failed to prove the existence of truly specialized internodal pathways. Nevertheless intercalated clear cells, nodal-like cells, junctional or intermediate type of cells are relatively frequent in valvular regions (Thebesian, Eustachian, A-V, fossa ovalis) and less frequent in other regions of the atrial wall.This study was conducted in part in the Department of Histology and Embryology of the Medical University in Budapest.     

Characterization of Vibrios Diversity in the Mucus of the Polychaete Myxicola infundibulum (Annellida,Polichaeta)

Vibrios are among the most abundant culturable microbes in aquatic environments. They can be either free-living in the water column or associated with several marine organisms as mutualists, saprophytes, or parasites. In the present study we analysed vibrios abundance and diversity in the mucus of the polychaete Myxicola infundibulum, complementing culture-based with molecular methods. Vibrios reached 4.6?×?10³ CFU mL^?1 thus representing a conspicuous component of the heterotrophic culturable bacteria. In addition, luminous vibrios accounted for about 60 % of the total culturable vibrios in the mucus. The isolates were assigned to: Vibrio gigantis, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio jasicida, Vibrio crassostreae, Vibrio kanaloae, and Vibrio xuii. Two Vibrio isolates (MI-13 and MI-15) may belong to a new species. We also tested the ability of the Vibrio isolates to grow on M. infundibulum mucus as the sole carbon source. All strains showed appreciable growth in the presence of mucus, leading us to conclude that this matrix, which is abundant and covers the animal entirely, may represent a microcosm and a food source for some bacteria, playing a crucial role in the structuring of a mucus-associated beneficial microbial community. Moreover, the trophic relationship between vibrios and M. infundibulum mucus could be enhanced by the protection that mucus offers to vibrios. The results of this study represent a contribution to the growing evidence for complex and dynamic invertebrate-microbe associations present in nature and highlight the importance of exploring relationships that Vibrio species establish with marine invertebrates.     

The basement membrane of the insect and crustacean compound eye: Definition,fine structure,and comparative morphology

Summary The basement membrane of the compound eye of four insect species and three crustacean species was investigated employing electron microscopy. The basement membrane consists of an extracellular (basal lamina) and a cellular portion, the latter being composed of the flattened terminal extensions of cone cells and accessory pigment cells in insects and distal pigment cells in crustaceans. Other cells can also contribute to the basement membrane. It is thus a complex structure in all well-developed compound eyes. The cellular contributions vary in different species and were found to correlate to specific taxonomic units.     

The fine structure of intracerebral vessels

Summary Intracerebral vessels of the parietal lobe of the rhesus monkey have been examined by electron microscopy with special reference to the relationship between the leptomeninges and the cerebral cortex. A perivascular reticular sheath, in apparent communication with the subarachnoid space surrounds intracerebral arterioles. Myo-endothelial junctions occur in intracerebral arterioles, but no nerve fibres are found in association with such vessels. This indicates that the tone of these vessels may be regulated by chemical mechanisms, possibly mediated through the myo-endothelial junctions.