Transmission electron microscopic studies of the organization of the ependymocytes in the central canal of the spinal cord of Cercopithecus nigroviridis (Pocock 1907), (Platyrrhina, Cercopithecoidea)

The ependyma of the central canal of the spinal cord of the monkey Cercopithecus nigroviridis was examined by transmission electron microscopy. In the lumbar region and in the filum terminale, many cytoplasmatic protrusions are visible. They are irregular in size and shape and display many microvilli. They are extending into the lumen of the central canal. The basal parts of the ependymocytes occasionally have a very close association with the ependymal blood vessels. The pericapillary space, the pericapillary structures like pericytes and collagen fibrils, and the basal lamina are absent. Opposite branches of the ependymocytes growing together could be observed in the central canal, eventually forming a cytoplasmic unit. Cytoplasmatic extensions of the ependymocytes bridge the lumen of the central canal and melt into each another. Lacunae, such as described by LEONHARDT (1980) in the apical cytoplasm of the ependyma in the rabbit, do also exist in the ependyma coating the central canal of the spinal cord of the monkey Cercopithecus nigroviridis. Some of these lacunae have direct contact to the luminar surface of the central canal, others are separated. Cilia and short microvilli are coating the lacunae. Adjacent ependymal cells form complex interdigitations with each other. Close to their surface on the central canal, there are numerous zonulae adhaerentes. Profiles of the granular and agranular endoplasmatic reticulum are in very close contact to the fine filaments of the zonulae.     

Comparative chromosome banding studies in the family Cercopithecidae

Comparative banding studies in eight species of the family Cercopithecidae, subfamily Cercopithecinae allowed us to identify the chromosomes that have been conserved and those that have undergone structural changes. The results suggest that while the ancestral karyotype of the Cercopithecini was probably similar to that ofCercopithecus aethiops, the ancestral complement of the cercopithecinae was probably of the type now found in the Papionini. Thus, after their divergence, one of the groups maintained an extremely stable chromosomal complement (Papionini 2n=42) while the other underwent extreme chromosomal rearrangements (Cercopithecini 2n=48–72).     

Genetic interpretation of polytene chromosomes banding pattern

This mini-review covers new data regarding the problem of the functional organization of polytene chromosomes: The localization of RNA synthesis in the polytene chromosome puffs, diffuse bands and interbands; The relative stability of banding pattern and its functional value; The informational content of bands.     

The Giemsa banding pattern of the canine karyotype.

The canine metaphase karyotype consists of 78 chromosomes. All autosomes exhibit telocentric or acrocentric configurations gradually diminishing in size. These features make identification of homologous pairs by conventional analysis difficult. Chromosome preparations were derived from short-term cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from clinically normal dogs representing at least four breeds. Most components of the canine karyotype can be distinguished readily. No significant G-banding pattern variations were detected in the individuals screened. An idiogrammatic interpretation of the banding pattern is presented. Apart from bands, other characteristic morphologic features were found which aid in identification. The G-banding pattern of the canine metacentric X is quite similar to that of the banded human X. The canine Y is a minute metacentric having two positive bands.     

AluI and HaeIII restriction enzyme banding patterns of Macaca fuscata and Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus chromosomes

AluI and HaeIII restriction endonuclease banding patterns were analyzed in Macaca fuscata and Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus chromosomes. AluI produced C-negative bands in both species of monkeys, while HaeIII induced the appearance of C-negative bands on Macaca chromosomes and of simultaneous G + C bands on Cercopithecus metaphases.     

Identification of rye chromosomes: the Giemsa banding pattern and the translocation tester set

Summary The Giemsa banding pattern is given for eleven reciprocal translocations of rye, Secale cereale L., together involving all chromosomes at least once, and one telocentric substitution. It is possible to correlate the identification system based on the Giemsa pattern with that based on the translocation tester set. The location of the translocation break points could be determined very exactly for a number of translocations, somewhat less exactly for others. The variations in the banding pattern, resulting from genetic, environmental and technical variation, make definite identification with the nomenclature system of the different rye additions to wheat difficult. An attempt is made, but some caution is necessary.     

The banding pattern of the salivary gland chromosomes of Drosophila hydei

The banding pattern of the salivary gland chromosomes of D. hydei was investigated in the electron microscope. We compared the banding pattern of squashed chromosomes with non-squashed preparations and observed that the fixation and squash procedure we used does not introduce artificial changes in the banding pattern of the chromosome. An electron microscopic map was made of the banding pattern of the distal half of the second salivary gland chromosome. On the basis of the number of bands in this part of the second chromosome we calculated a total of about 3700 bands for the whole set of polytene chromosomes of D. hydei. Our data indicate a similar number of bands in the salivary gland chromosomes of evolutionary remote Drosophila species like D. hydei and D. melanogaster.     

Correlation of the fluorescent banding pattern and ultrastructure of a human chromosome

After incubation with Con A, cultured melanoma cells B16-C2W stuck firmly to the dish wall and could be detached neither with trypsin and pronase treatment nor with EDTA treatment, whereas the control cells were easily released from the dish wall by the same treatments. This effect became evident within 5 min of incubation at 37 °C with Con A in a greater concentration than 5 μg/ml. Resistance to trypsinization arose more rapidly as the temperature increased up to 22 °C and changed substantially around 15 °C. By addition of α-methyl-d-mannoside which combines specifically with Con A, the resistant cells became de novo susceptible to trypsinization within 5 min of incubation at 37 °C. The reversing effect of the inhibitor was also temperature dependent. The appearance of resistance to trypsinization was observed without divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), but was inhibited by pretreatment with 10^?4 M 2,4-dinitrophenol. The temperature-dependence and the concentration of Con A required for agglutination of freed cells was the same as for induction of resistance to trypsinization.     

Heterochromatic banding pattern in two Brazilian populations of Aedes aegypti

We analysed samples of Aedes aegypti from São José do Rio Preto and Franca (Brazil) by C‐banding and Ag‐banding staining techniques. C‐banding pattern of Ae.aegypti from São José do Rio Preto examined in metaphase cells differed from Franca. The chromosomes 2, 3 and X showed centromeric C‐bands in both populations, but a slightly stained centromeric band in the Y chromosome was observed only in São José do Rio Preto. In addition, the X chromosome in both populations and the Y chromosome of all individuals from São José do Rio Preto showed an intercalary band on one of the arms that was absent in Franca. An intercalary, new band, lying on the secondary constriction of chromosome 3 was also present in mosquitoes of both populations. The comparison of the present data with data in the literature for Ae.aegypti from other regions of the world showed that they differ as to the banding pattern of sex chromosomes and the now described intercalary band in chromosome 3. The observations suggested that the heterochromatic regions of all chromosomes are associated to constitute a single C‐banded body in interphase cells. Ag‐banding technique stained the centromeric regions of all chromosomes (including the Y) and the intercalary C‐band region of the X chromosome in both populations. As Ae.aegypti populations are widespread in a great part of the world, the banding pattern variations indicate environmental interactions and may reveal both the chromosome evolutionary patterns in this species and the variations that may interfere with its vector activity.     

Fluorescence banding pattern of the chromosomes of Microtus agrestis with a benzimidazol derivative

Summary The fluorescent banding pattern of the chromosomes of Microtus agrestis following staining with a benzimidazol derivative (Hoechst 33258) has been studied. All chromosomes allow easy identification because of their characteristic longitudinal differentiation. The X chromosomes of both sexes show intense fluorescence of the long arm and of a small proximal segment of the short arm, while the rest of the short arm reveals banding patterns. In the Y chromosome, the very short arm is nonfluorescent and the entire long arm shows bright fluorescence. Examination of the interphase nuclei of cultured fibroblasts suggests that the facultative and the constitutive heterochromatin fluoresce intensely only when strongly condensed. In contrast to some other species, in which heterochromatic chromosomal segments show a characteristic staining behaviour, i.e. either positive or negative, with the fluorochrome benzimidazol derivative, this compound behaves rather indifferently in the case of the heterochromatic contents in Microtus agrestis. The staining effects of the benzimidazol dye have also been compared with the various Giemsa and the Quinacrine staining techniques.

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Zusammenfassung Bei Verwendung des Benzimidazol-Derivat Hoechst 33 258 läßt sich an den Chromosomen von Microtus agrestis ein Fluorescenz-Bandenmuster beobachten, das an den Autosomen eine Identifizierung der einzelnen Elemente ermöglicht. Die X-Chromosomen beider Geschlechter weisen eine starke Fluorescenz des linken Arms und eines kleinen proximalen Segments des kurzen Arms auf, während der übrige kurze Arm ein Bandenmuster zeigt. Am Y-Chromosom ist der gesamte lange Arm hell fluorescierend, sein sehr kleiner kurzer Arm bleibt ungefärbt. Die Untersuchung von Interphasekernen in vitro kultivierter Fibroblasten spricht dafür, daß die Fluorescenz des konstitutiven und fakultativen Heterochromatins überwiegend auf seiner etwas stärkeren Kondensation beruht. Während das Benzimidazol-Derivat bei andren Species das konstitutive Chromatin elektiv entweder durch positive oder durch negative Fluorescenz darstellt, verhält es sich bei Microtus agrestis indifferent.

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Supported by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.     

Insect chromosome banding: technique for G- and Q-banding pattern in the mosquito Aedes albopictus.

A modified technique is described for the production of clear G- and Q-bands of somatic metaphase chromosomes of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse.     

Preliminary electron microscopic observations on ependymal cells in the caudal segment of the filum terminale and the ampulla caudalis of Macaca fascicularis and Cercopithecus griseoviridis (primates, Cercopithecidae)

In a previous paper, the concept of the terminal organ (TO) of the subcommissural complex was forwarded. Functionally this complex is a neuro (glio-) hemal organ which serves to discharge the Reissner's secretory material into the systemic circulation. The TO is characterized by structural specializations that make feasible the discharge and chemical decomposition of the secretory material stowed in the massa caudalis (MC). The TO is probably not only the ampulla caudalis (AC); it may comprise even parts of the filum terminale next to the AC. The boundary of the TO is uncertain as yet. It cannot be precluded that the AC, which itself varies in shape and size, is just a receptaculum massae caudalis. The material of the MC escapes from the AC either through apertures of the wall of the AC or of the filum terminale (Neuropori caudalis, slit-shaped gaps). It is also likely that the secretory material becomes chemically decomposed in the AC and is intra- (trans-) cellularly discharged. In this connexion, certain ependymal cells may be of significance. These cells exhibit large, tongue-shaped central projections (temporarily developed?) which bear a considerable number of long microvilli. The significance of these cells probably lies in the enlargement of the cell surface bathing in the CSF which contains the MC. These cells are most abundant in the area of the TO; single, isolated cells of the same type occur in other areas of the ependyma of some primates. This would indicate that the TO does not contain special types of cells not found in other parts of the ependyma, but that the TO differs from other ependymal regions in the density of peculiar cell types.