Gross and fine structure of the pseudo branch of the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

The structure of the glandular pseudobranch of the air-breathing fish Anabas testudineus is described on the basis of light and electron microscopy. It is shown that the pseudobranch has the same basic structure as a typical gill, although in this case it is not freely exposed to the water.
Individual secondary lamellae can be recognized in which well-defined, but narrow, blood channels are present between typical pillar cells. The epithelial layer is mainly represented by enlarged mitochondria-rich cells which constitute a large proportion of the whole organ. Mitochondria-rich cells contain an abundant endoplasmic reticulum which is in close contact with the mitochondria and becomes concentrated near the vascular borders of the cell and opens directly into the basement lamina.
The presence of numerous pinocytotic vesicles in the enlarged pillar cell flanges may transfer material to the blood channels. The precise nature and role of any materials released in this way remains to be investigated.     

A scanning electron microscope study of the pseudobranchs of two marine teleosts

The pseudobranchs of bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L. , and grey mullet, Liza ramada (Risso) ( Mugil capito ), were examined in the scanning electron microscope (S.E.M.). Both pseudobranchs appeared gill-like in situ but the S.E.M. revealed their gross morphology to be different. The bass pseudobranch was a'free' pseudobranch, having separate lamellae along the filaments, with areas of fusion on the leading edges of some lamellae, whilst the mullet pseudobranch was 'semi-free' since the secondary lamellae were fused over a large area and only free along their trailing (opercular) edge where the chloride cells were situated. The surface of the epithelial cells presented different patterns of microridges and microvilli depending on their position in the pseudobranch. Three types of cell opening were found at the cell surface, belonging to chloride cells, mucous cells, and possibly rodlet cells. The S.E.M. observations were correlated with those of transmission electron microscope (T.E.M.) studies.     

Gill morphology in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton- Buchanan)

A light and electron microscopic study of the gills of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio , were made to serve as a morphological basis for future investigations. It was found that for fixation of B. rerio gills, a mixture of 1·5% gluturaldehyde and 1·5% paraformaldehyde gives a mucus-free surface. Morphometric measurements of structural components of the gill secondary lamellae were made. Observations at SEM were correlated with those made at TEM. The different cell types in the branchial epithelium were characterized. Chloride cells were mainly located in the interlamellar regions and on the afferent side of the primary lamellae. Two morphologically different chloride cells were seen. The first type communicates with the external environment through a reservoir-like lumen, which is normally absent in freshwater fishes. The second type of chloride cell has more direct contact with the ambient water, resembling chloride cells from other freshwater fishes. Another cell type with features similar to those of the rodlet cell was frequently observed. This cell is interposed between other types of cells in the epithelium, and sometimes junctional complexes were present between the rodlet cell and surrounding cells.     

Presence of chloride cells in gill filaments and lamellae of the skate Torpedo marmorata

The morphology of chloride cells in the gill of the skate Torpedo marmorata is described from a light and an electron microscopic study. Chloride cells have been regularly observed in both the gill filament (or primary epithelium) and the lamellae (or secondary epithelium). Chloride cells located in the filament usually display convex apical regions with microvilli protruding amongst microridges of neighbouring pavement cells, whereas chloride cells in the lamellae are located between the two epithelial layers, and contact with the external milieu is via a narrow apical opening. Present observations are discussed in relation to data on the presence of chloride cells in the lamellae of marine teleost fish, and it is suggested that the occurrence of chloride cells all along the lamellae might be in some way inversely related to fish activity.     

Cellular and epithelial adjustments to altered salinity in the gill and opercular epithelium of a cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Morphological features of the gill and opercular epithelia of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) have been compared in fish acclimated to either fresh water (FW) or hypersaline water (60 S) by scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy. In hyperosmoregulating, i.e., FW-acclimated, tilapia only those mitochondria-rich (MR) cells present on the filament epithelium of the gill were exposed to the external medium. After acclimation of fish to hypersaline water these cells become more numerous, hypertrophy extensively, and form apical crypts not only in the gill filament but also in the opercular epithelium. Regardless of salinity, MR cells were never found to be exposed to the external medium on the secondary lamellae. In addition, two types of pavement cells were identified having distinct morphologies, which were unaffected by salinity. The gill filaments and the inner operculum were generally found to be covered by pavement cells with microridges, whereas the secondary lamellae were covered exclusively by smooth pavement cells.     

Immunohistochemistry,ultrastructure and pathology of gills of Abramis brama from Lake Mondsee,Austria, infected with Ergasilus sieboldi (Copepoda)

Immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and pathological studies were carried out on the gills of bream Abramis brama (L.) from Lake Mondsee, Austria, that were naturally infected with Ergasilus sieboldi Nordmann, 1832. Of a total of 14 specimens of bream examined, the gills of 7 (50%) were parasitized with this copepod and the intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 23 crustaceans per host. Histopathological investigations of infected gill showed extensive tissue damage due to attachment and feeding of the crustacean. Parasites attached close to the base of filaments near the gill arch. Pressure exerted by the ectoparasite attached to the lateral margin of the gill filaments induced atrophy of the secondary lamellae. Tissue reactions included hyperplasia and mucous cell proliferation of the respiratory epithelium. Mucous cells displayed an intense immunohistochemical reactivity with the anti-nitric oxide synthase antibody. In parasitized primary and secondary lamellae, a high number of eosinophilic granular cells and rodlet cells were noticed. Rodlet cells represent an inflammatory cell type closely linked to other piscine inflammatory cells. Presence of a high number of inflammatory cells at the site of E. sieboldi attachment is related to intense host cellular reaction.     

Developmental and environmental regulation of chloride cells in young American shad, Alosa sapidissima

Location, abundance, and morphology of gill chloride cells were quantified during changes in osmoregulatory physiology accompanying early development in American shad, Alosa sapidissima. During the larval-juvenile transition of shad, gill chloride cells increased 3.5-fold in abundance coincident with gill formation, increased seawater tolerance, and increased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. Chloride cells were found on both the primary filament and secondary lamellae in pre-migratory juveniles. Chloride cells on both the primary filament and secondary lamellae increased in abundance (1.5- to 2-fold) and size (2- to 2.5-fold) in juveniles held in fresh water from August 31 to December 1 (the period of downstream migration) under declining temperature. This proliferation of chloride cells was correlated with physiological changes associated with migration (decreased hyperosmoregulatory ability and increased gill Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity). Increases in chloride cell size and number of fish in fresh water were delayed and of a lower magnitude when shad were maintained at constant temperature (24 degrees C). When juveniles were acclimated to seawater, chloride cell abundance on the primary filament did not (though size increased 1.5- to 2-fold), but cells on the secondary lamellae disappeared. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was immunolocalized to chloride cells in both fresh water and seawater acclimated fish. The disappearance of chloride cells on the secondary lamellae upon seawater acclimation is evidence that their role is confined to fresh water. The proliferation of chloride cells in fresh water during the migratory-associated loss of hyperosmoregulatory ability is likely to be a compensatory mechanism for increasing ion uptake. J. Exp. Zool. 290:73-87, 2001.     

Fine structure of the branchial epithelium in the teleost Oreochromis niloticus

We have studied the gill epithelium of Oreochromis niloticus using transmission electron microscopy with the particular interested relationship between cell morphology and osmotic, immunoregulatory, or other non‐regulatory functions of the gill. Pavement cells covered the filament epithelium and lamellae of gills, with filament pavement cells showing distinct features from lamellar pavement cells. The superficial layer of the filament epithelium was formed by osmoregulatory elements, the columnar mitochondria‐rich, mucous and support cells, as well as by their precursors. Light mitochondria‐rich cells were located next to lamellae. They exhibited an apical crypt with microvilli and horizontal small dense rod‐like vesicles, sealed by tight junctions to pavement cells. Dark mitochondria‐rich cells had long dense rod‐like vesicles and a small apical opening sealed by tight junctions to pavement cells. The deep layer of the filament epithelium was formed by a network of undifferentiated cells, containing neuroepithelial and myoepithelial cells, macrophage and eosinophil‐like cells and their precursors, as well as precursors of mucous cells. The lateral‐basal surface was coated by myoepithelial cells and a basal lamina. The lamellar blood lacunae was lined by pillar cells and surrounded by a basal lamina and pericytes. The data presented here support the existence of two distinct types of pavement cells, mitochondria‐rich cells, and mitochondria‐rich cells precursors, a structural role for support cells, a common origin for pavement cells and support cells, a paracrine function for neuroepithelial cells in the superficial layer, and the control of the lamellar capillary base by endocrine and contractile cells. Data further suggest that the filament superficial layer is involved in gill osmoregulation, that may interact, through pale mitochondria‐rich cells, with the deep layer and lamellae, whereas the deep layer, through immune and neuroendocrine systems, acts in the regeneration and defense of the tissue. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Thyroxine-induced gill resorption in the axolotl (ambystoma mexicanum)

Normal gill structure and thyroxine induced resorptive changes were studied in Ambystoma mexicanum. The gill is normally composed of a mesenchymal core covered with a multilayered epithelium. The general architecture is simpler than that of the teleost and elasmobranch, but the vascular arrangement is analogous. There are three basic cell types in the epithelium: a characteristic epithelial cell containing tonofibrils and mucus, a ciliated cell with an ultrastructure similar to that of the chloride cell, and the mucin-filled Leydig cell. The basal lamella and mesenchymal tissue appear typical of amphibians. Cytologic changes during thyroxine induced gill resorption varied with cell type. Some epithelial cells demonstrated a cytoplasmic response with swelling of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum and late, lytic nuclear changes, while others remained viable and went on to cornify. Ciliated cells showed early changes in nuclear chromatin pattern followed by rapid, progressive dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum. Leydig cells sustained variable changes leading to collapse of the perinuclear mucus, and cells of this type were absent in mature epidermis. Early basement membrane changes included widening and reduplication of the adepidermal membrane followed by morphologic fraying of collagen plies. There is no cytologic evidence to suggest that autolysis plays a major role in gill tissue dissolution. Resorption involved the maintenance of structural integrity in the face of diminishing physical dimensions. The epithelium became cornified, the basement lamellae dissolved, and the mesenchymal tissue was resorbed through action of macrophages in an orderly distal to proximal direction.     

Morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study of the gill epithelium in the abyssal teleost fish Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus

Histochemical and immunohistochemical study was carried out on nitrinergic innervation and neuroendocrine system in the gill epithelium of the abyssal fish Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus. The results showed that nNOS-positive nerve fibers, originating from the branchial arch were present in the subepithelial tissue of branchial primary filament. nNOS-positive neuroendocrine cells were also present in the primary filaments and secondary lamellae. Numerous mucous cells in the gill epithelium were AB/PAS-positive, while sialic acid was absent as confirmed by neuraminidase reaction and WGA lectin histochemistry. The mucus compounds in abyssal teleost fish are different from those found in pelagic species, being related to their living conditions. In abyssal species, greater numbers of chloride and neuroendocrine cells are involved in the movement of water and electrolytes. Neuroendocrine cells possess oxygen receptors which mediate the cardiovascular and ventilatory response to oxygen deficiency, as reported in teleost species. Besides, NO contributes through nervous stimulation to the regulation of vascular tone and blood circulation in the gill.     

Gross morphology and surface ultrastructure of the gills of Odontesthes argentinensis (Actinopterygii, Atherinopsidae) from a Southwestern Atlantic coastal lagoon

Odontesthes argentinensis was collected from Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon, the Southernmost coastal Atlantic Lagoon of Argentina. The morphology of the gills was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of the superficial structures of the gill filaments and pharyngeal region of the gill arch was discussed and related to their functional aspects. The gills arches are structurally similar to those of other teleosts and bring out the osmoregulatory capacity of this species. The epithelium that covers the surface of the filaments and the pharyngeal region of the gill arch is formed by polygonal pavement cells with conspicuous microridges. These folds in the membrane are not denoted in the epithelium of the respiratory lamellae. Apical crypts of chloride cells are present on the afferent and interlamellar filament surfaces, but are absent elsewhere on the gill arch. The highest density of mucous cells is observed into the gill filament and the pharyngeal region which indicates the existence of a protective strategy of the respiratory lamellae and the pharynx. The epithelium of the gill arches and the rakers is studded with spines. There are taste buds along the whole pharyngeal region that may be associated with their participation in tasting at this zone.     

Scanning electron microscopy of the gills of a freshwater catfish,Rita Rita

Variations in the gross morphology and surface architecture of the gill filaments and secondary lamellae of a freshwater catfish (Rita rita) have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Heterogeneity of the gill has been correlated with the distribution of lamellar water-flow at different regions of a gill filament. Higher lamellar water flow (cc/pore/cmH₂O/sec) was estimated for the middle region of the filaments. The filaments are covered with epithelial cells whose surface is provided with well-developed microridges. The lamellae are generally covered with microvillous epithelial cells. The variations in surface architecture of the gill filaments and secondary lamellae have been correlated with their probable functions.     

Electron microscopic studies of the gill epithelium of the amphibian teleost Periophthalmus vulgaris]

The gill epithelium of the airdwelling fish Periophthalmus vulgaris has been studied with the electron microscope. The following celltypes can be distinguished: flat covering epithelial cells, chloride cells, mucous cells, basal cells, various leucocytes as well as a specific granule containing cell which is possibly an epithelial cell. The covering epithelial cells exhibit a relatively smooth apical surface and contain in their apical half densely packed microfilaments, pinocytotic vesicles are rare. These characteristics are not to be found in water dwelling fish and possibly represent adaptations to the air containing surroundings. In the chloride cells are numerous, especially in the basal halves of the secondary lamellae. The distal parts of the secondary lamellae the barrier for the respiratory gases measures about 0,9 micrometer. The basal cells are ribosome rich replacement cells. Two types of mucous cells occur. Individual intraepithelial nerve fibres have been observed.     

The structure of the gill of the trout,Salmo gairdneri (Richardson)

Summary A light and electron microscopic study was made of the structure of the gill arch, filament and secondary lamella of Salmo gairdneri R. Blood pathways through the gill were traced from serial histological sections, and from the examination of ink perfused tissue and perspex casts formed following resin injection of the circulatory system.The epithelium covering the gill consists of unspecialized, dark, chloride and mucous cells. The distribution of specialized cells appears to be related to gill function. The basement membrane underlying the epithelium consists of three layers, the inner collagen layer being continuous with the connective tissue core of the gills.Blood supply to the secondary lamellar respiratory surface is via branchial, filament and secondary lamellar arteries. Blood spaces of the secondary lamellae are delimited by pillar cells containing what appears to be contractile material. The marginal channel of each lamella is bounded distally by cells of endothelial origin. A network of lymph spaces within the filaments connects with efferent branchial arteries. Nutritionary capillaries within the filaments connect with afferent branchial arteries. No shunts between afferent and efferent filament arteries were found.Data from this study and previous physiological and histopathological studies suggest a mechanism for the control of blood flow to suit the respiratory requirements of the fish. This mechanism involves a system of recruitment of additional respiratory units and changes in overall blood flow patterns.This work formed part of a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1971 and for which M. M. was in receipt of a studentship from the Natural Environmental Research Council. The authors are grateful for the support given by research grants from the M.R.C (P.T.) and the N.E.R.C. (M.M.), and to Prof. G. M. Hughes in whose department the work was carried out.     

不同NaHCO3碱度对瓦氏雅罗鱼鳃组织结构的影响

研究采用组织学方法观察和比较了达里诺尔湖瓦氏雅罗鱼(Leuciscus waleckii, 碱水种)和松花江瓦氏雅罗鱼(淡水种)在相同碳酸盐碱度胁迫下(C_A0、C_A30和C_A50)鳃组织结构的差异, 探究瓦氏雅罗鱼碱水种耐高碱特性与鳃组织结构微观调整的适应性关系。结果显示, 随着碱度增加, 碱水种鳃丝变宽、鳃小片变长、鳃小片间距变大(P<0.05); 淡水种鳃丝变宽、鳃小片间距变大(P<0.05), 鳃小片长度在C_A30时显著变长(P<0.05), 而在C_A50时与对照组无明显差异(P>0.05)。碱水种在C_A30和C_A50的氯细胞数量与对照组相比明显增加, C_A50的氯细胞排列更加紧密并且有叠加现象, 扁平上皮细胞变大, 细胞表面增厚; 淡水种在C_A30时的氯细胞数量明显多于C_A50, 但在碱度胁迫下, 鳃小片出现破损, 扁平上皮细胞、柱细胞和血细胞融合、脱落现象严重。另外, 在碱水种和淡水种鳃耙上皮细胞中发现了大量黏液细胞分泌, 随着碱度增加, 黏液细胞由大而稀疏变为小而密集, 其中碱水种的黏液细胞数量较淡水种多, 而且排列更为整齐、密集。鳃组织学研究结果表明, 瓦氏雅罗鱼碱水种通过保持鳃组织结构和生理功能的完整性达到对高碱环境的长期适应, 而淡水种则因鳃细胞融合、脱落造成生理功能丧失, 不能长期适应高碱环境。研究结果可为淡水鱼类在盐碱水的移植驯化提供依据和指导。     

Fine structure of the pseudobranch of the flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

Summary The free or non-glandular pseudobranch of the flounder Paralichthys lethostigma was studied with the electron microscope. Cells typical of glandular type pseudobranchs are found. This indicates that, at least in the flounder, the free pseudobranch should be called glandular. In addition, the chloride-type cells, commonly found in the gill, buccal epithelium, and surface epithelium of other fish, have been found in the pseudobranch, where they have not been described previously. The fine structure of both the chloride-type and the pseudobranch-type cell has been characterized and contrasted. We have not been able to confirm previous reports that the specific cells in both pseudobranch and gill are identical in the flounder.Supported by grant-in-aid from the USPHS (General Medical Sciences Institute, GM-06836) and the National Science Foundation (GB-676).     

Annulate lamellae and crystalline inclusions in granular endoplasmic reticulum of the islet organ and associated tissues of a cyclostome,Myxine glutinosa

Cytoplasmic annylate lamellae were found in the islet organ of a cyclostome, the hagfish (Myxine glutinosa), predominantly in cells interpreted as young proliferating beta-cells, and also in endocrine cells and enterocytes of the bile duct and gut and in the endothelial cells of small blood vessels. A close association was observed annulate lamellae and granular endoplasmic reticulum. Both in cells with and in those without annulate lamellae, crystalline inclusions of proteinaceous nature were seen in granular endoplasmic reticulum. These inclusions were occasionally closely associated to annulate lamellae, and a direct continuity could be seen between granular endoplasmic reticulum and the outer nuclear membrane surrounding an inclusion partially situated in the perinuclear cisterna. Rod-shaped structures and rounded electron dense bodies were seen in the nuclei of some islet parenchymal cells. The presence of annulate lamellae in the islet organ and associated tissues of Myxine glutinosa is believed to be related to the very high phylogenetic age of this species. The close association observed between annulate lamellae, granular endoplasmic reticulum, crystalline inclusions, and sometimes also nuclear membranes, may be of functional significance.     

A scanning electron microscopic study of secondary lamellae and chloride cells of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Summary Scanning electron micrographs of gill tissue from rainbow trout fixed with 50% glutaraldehyde revealed the presence of microridges on surfaces of epithelial cells of the secondary lamellae. These microridges vary in length from 1 to 7 , with a mean height of 0.75 . Calculations show that they increase the total lamellar epithelial surface area approximately 2.5 fold. Mucus secreting cells are present on the body of the filament and on secondary lamellae. Chloride cells are located primarily in the interlamellae filamental epithelium and on the basal area of lamellae. Extensions of the chloride cell epithelium are microvillous in nature and their height is only slightly greater than that of the microridges of typical lamellar epithelial cells. A reduction in number or complete absence of microvilli on chloride cells appeared to be related to degenerative changes in these cells observed in transmission electron micrographs. Non secretory interlamellae filamental epithelial cells have microridges of very attenuated lengths.This research was supported by EPA Grant R-801034, USPHS Training Grant HL-05873, the Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta., Proj. 122 (Journal Article No. 5801), and OWRR Grant A-064. Acknowledgements: The authors wish to express their gratitude to Mrs. J. Mack and Mr. Wm. McAffe for their technical assistance with the electron microscopes.     

Fish gill morphology: inside out

In this short review of fish gill morphology we cover some basic gross anatomy as well as in some more detail the microscopic anatomy of the branchial epithelia from representatives of the major extant groups of fishes (Agnathans, Elasmobranchs, and Teleosts). The agnathan hagfishes have primitive gill pouches, while the lampreys have arch-like gills similar to the higher fishes. In the lampreys and elasmobranchs, the gill filaments are supported by a complete interbranchial septum and water exits via external branchial slits or pores. In contrast, the teleost interbranchial septum is much reduced, leaving the ends of the filaments unattached, and the multiple gill openings are replaced by the single caudal opening of the operculum. The basic functional unit of the gill is the filament, which supports rows of plate-like lamellae. The lamellae are designed for gas exchange with a large surface area and a thin epithelium surrounding a well-vascularized core of pillar cell capillaries. The lamellae are positioned for the blood flow to be counter-current to the water flow over the gills. Despite marked differences in the gross anatomy of the gill among the various groups, the cellular constituents of the epithelium are remarkably similar. The lamellar gas-exchange surface is covered by squamous pavement cells, while large, mitochondria-rich, ionocytes and mucocytes are found in greatest frequency in the filament epithelium. Demands for ionoregulation can often upset this balance. There has been much study of the structure and function of the branchial mitochondria-rich cells. These cells are generally characterized by a high mitochondrial density and an amplification of the basolateral membrane through folding or the presence of an intracellular tubular system. Morphological subtypes of MRCs as well as some methods of MRC detection are discussed.