New information on the location of Capillaria procyonis (Nematoda: Trichuroidea) in the tongue of a raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Histologic examination of the tongue of one juvenile male raccoon demonstrated the presence of adults and unembryonated eggs of the nematode Capillaria procyonis within parasite-induced tunnels in the stratified squamous epithelium. There was no inflammatory infiltrate within the epithelium or the subjacent lamina propria. The shape of tunnels approximated that of the resident nematodes and were lined by flattened and attenuated epithelial cells. Therefore, the site of infection of C. procyonis in the raccoon includes the oral, lingual and pharyngeal epithelium in addition to the esophagus.     

The respiratory system of the genusCallithrix,the South American monkey

It has been described the cytology of the following parts of the respiratory system of some South American primates:Callithrix jacchus andCallithrix argentata melanura. The nasal cavities are divided into three parts: a vestibule, covered with a stratified nonkeratinized squamous epithelium; the respiratory portion, consisting of a pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells and the olfactory portion which is also covered with a high respiratory epithelium without goblet cells. The trachea is lined with a mucous membrane, whose epithelium is pseudostratified columnar ciliated with scarce goblet cells in the proximal portion unlike to the distal one. In the dorsal portion of the trachea, at the level of the gap between the two ends of incomplete cartilaginous rings, the epithelial lining is of transitional type. The incomplete hyaline cartilaginous rings present centers of calcification. The right and left lungs consist of two and three lobes respectively characteristic for these species, but they are not divided into lobules by connective tissue as in other ones. The bronchi, bronchioles and the respiratory portion, respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli present the typical respiratory structure with exception of their cartilaginous configuration; the cartilage continues as far as the respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts. These last structures are formed by a thin squamous epithelium, in which we observed two types of alveolar lining cells. This work was supported by grants from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET) and EHIGE program. Postgraduated fellow from CONICET. established Investigator and Director of EHIGE (Estudio Histológico comparado del Sistema de Glándulas Endócrinas) from CONICET.     

Ontogeny of the male urethra: theory of endodermal differentiation

The most widely accepted mechanism of male urethral development proposes that the urethral plate is elevated by urethral folds which fuse ventrally in a proximal-to-distal sequence. Unlike its proximal counterpart, the urethra which forms within the glans is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium and has a more controversial development. One theory supports the idea that fusion of the urethral folds extends all the way to the tip of the glans. Another theory suggests that a solid ectodermal in-growth of epidermis canalizes the glandar urethra. We hypothesized that the use of immunohistochemical staining and tissue recombinant grafting would delineate the epithelia involved and lend clues to their origin. Thirty-six human fetal phallic specimens of gestational ages 5-22 weeks were sectioned and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies raised against different cytokeratins. Evaluation of the sections showed that the urethral plate, an extension of the urogenital sinus, extended to the tip of the phallus and maintained patency and continuity throughout the process of urethral development. The entire urethra, including the glans portion, was formed by dorsal extension and disintegration of the urethral plate combined with ventral growth and fusion of the urethral folds. Sections of the distal glandar urethra showed no evidence of a solid ectodermal ingrowth. Rather, immunostaining results at different ages suggested differentiation of the endodermal urethral plate into a stratified squamous epithelium. To determine whether urothelium could be induced to express a stratified squamous phenotype, mouse fetal bladder epithelium was combined with rat fetal genital tubercle mesenchyme and grown under the renal capsule of athymic mice. The bladder epithelium differentiated into a stratified squamous epithelium. Thus, proper mesenchymal signaling may induce differentiation of urothelium into a stratified squamous phenotype, such as during development of the urethra of the glans penis.     

On the median pharyngeal valve of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

The middle ear cavities of crocodilians have complex connections with the pharyngeal lumen, including lateral and median components which both open into a single chamber located on the dorsal midline of the pharynx. This chamber and the surrounding soft-tissue is herein termed the median pharyngeal valve. In the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) this valve opens, for a duration of 0.3 s, approximately every 120 s; the patency of the median pharyngeal valve was not influenced by either auditory stimuli or by submersing the alligator underwater. The median pharyngeal valve has an outer capsule of dense connective tissue and fibrocartilage and an inner “plug” of loose connective tissue. These opposing surfaces are lined by respiratory epithelium and separated by a cavity that is continuous with the middle ear cavities and the pharyngeal lumen (through a central opening in the capsule termed the pore). The inner plug of the median pharyngeal valve is contacted by skeletal muscles positioned to serve as both elevators/retractors (which would open the valve) and elevators/protractors (which, in conjunction with gravity, would close the valve). Unlike other vertebrate valve systems, the median pharyngeal valve appears to function as a deformable ball check valve.     

Morphology, and muscle- and papilla-volume ratios, of the tongue of Laudakia stellio (Agamidae, Squamata): a histological and stereological study

We examined the histological structure of the tongue of Laudakia stellio, the starred agama lizard (Agamidae, Squamata), under light microscopy. We also investigated the muscle and papilla volume ratios, with volumes of each aspect of interest estimated according to the Cavalieri method. The macroscopically short, thick and muscle-rich front tip of the tongue of L. stellio does not show any bifurcation, and under light microscopy, the oval-shaped papilla-free front tip was seen to be covered by keratinized stratified epithelium. The dorsal and ventral parts were different, with the former partially covered by keratinized stratified epithelium and rich in secretory glands and secretory cells. The ventral part, which contained keratinized stratified cells, had a flat surface with no papillae. The dorsal surface of the anterior and posterior parts contained fungiform papillae, with the apical parts of these papillae containing minimal keratin; the interpapillar space was covered by keratin-free squamous stratified epithelium. The middle section of the tongue contained cylindrical-type papillae, with serous and mucous secretory glands and ducts at their base. Finally, the frontal and middle parts of the ventral and dorsal surfaces did not contain any taste buds, although there were some in the hind part of the dorsal surface. As morphometric estimates of volumes of the muscles and papillae, the mean volume ratios (relative to total tongue volume)+/-standard deviation were 0.66+/-0.03 and 0.33+/-0.03, with mean coefficients of error of 0.02 and 0.03, respectively.     

Three distinct keratinocyte subtypes identified in human oral epithelium by their patterns of keratin expression in culture and in xenografts

We have characterized the cells that form the human oral epithelia by analyzing their patterns of keratin expression in culture and in transplants. Keratinocytes of all oral regions synthesized high levels of keratins K5/K14 and K6/K16,K17, as expressed by cells of all stratified squamous epithelia in culture. However, cells from different regions varied in their expression in culture of retinoid-inducible (K19 and K13) and simple epithelial (K7, K8 and K18) keratins. By these criteria, all oral cells could be classified as belonging to one of three intrinsically distinct subtypes: "keratinizing" (gingiva, hard palate), "typical nonkeratinizing" (inner cheek, floor of mouth, ventral tongue) and "special non-keratinizing" (soft palate), all of which differed from the epidermal keratinocyte subtype. Cells from fetal floor of mouth expressed a pattern of keratins in culture markedly different from that of adult floor of mouth cells but identical to that of the adult "special nonkeratinizing" subtype and similar to that of several oral squamous cell carcinoma lines. When cultures of oral keratinocytes were grafted to the dermis of nude mice, they formed stratified epithelial structures after 10 days. In some areas of the stratified structures, the basal layer recapitulated the K19 expression pattern of the oral region from which they had originated. Thus, regional differentiation of the oral epithelium is based on an intrinsic specialization of regional keratinocyte stem cells. Additionally, oral cell transformation either frequently involves reversion to the fetal keratin program or else oral cells that express this keratin program are especially susceptible to transformation.     

The transitional zone in the epithelium lining the mouse epiglottis

The epithelium lining the caudal surface of the mouse epiglottis occupies the transitional zone between the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, continuing from the oral cavity, and the ciliated columnar epithelium, extending into the laryngeal cavity. The epithelium showed gradations ranging from stratified squamous through stratified cuboidal to ciliated stratified low-columnar type. It is suggested that the epithelium is identical with the 'intermediate epithelium' in the mouse nasopharynx.     

刀鲚幼鱼消化系统的组织形态学结构

采用光镜和扫描电镜观察长江刀鲚(Coilia nasus)幼鱼消化系统组织形态学结构。结果显示,刀鲚体长,口裂大,含有犬齿状的颌齿和尖锥状的腭齿,具有5对鳃弓,鳃耙长度明显大于鳃丝且表面附着不规则绒毛状细齿;胃呈"Y"型,胃与肠连接处具有16～21个指状环形幽门盲囊;肠为直肠,较短,比肠长为0.241±0.080;肝分为两叶,胰为独立的器官。刀鲚口咽腔为复层鳞状上皮,含有腺体、大量椭圆形黏液细胞、少量杯状细胞及味蕾;胃黏膜都为典型的单层柱状上皮,含有较多由上皮凹陷形成的胃小凹和胃腺;幽门盲囊具有20～25个丰富的褶皱,占满大部分幽门盲囊腔,黏膜层具有微绒毛;中肠黏膜上皮最发达,形成的褶皱细长且连接成网状,单层柱状上皮与复层扁平上皮交替分布。观察结果表明,刀鲚消化系统具有典型肉食性鱼类特征。     

Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the lizard, Gekko japonicus (Lacertilia, Gekkonidae)

Three different types of lingual papilla were observed by scanning electron microscopy on the dorsal lingual epithelium of the lizard Gekko japonicus. Dome-shaped lingual papillae were located at the apex. Flat, fan-shaped lingual papillae were seen in the widest area of the lingual body. Long, scale-like lingual papillae were arranged on the latero-posterior dorsal surface. At higher magnification, microvilli and microridges were seen to be widely distributed over the surface of the papillae. By light microscopy, the epithelium of the dome-shaped papillae was composed of single, columnar epithelial cells filled with secretory granules. The tip of the epithelium of the fan-shaped and scale-like papillae was composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells without granules. The major part of the epithelium of these two types of papilla, except the tip area, was also composed of single, columnar epithelial cells with secretory granules. By transmission electron microscopy, a nucleus without a defined shape was seen to be located in the basal part of each of the single, columnar epithelial cells. Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were well developed around the nucleus. The other, major part of the cytoplasm was filled with the spherical secretory granules, a large number of which had very electron-dense cores and moderately electron-dense peripheral regions. In the stratified squamous epithelium, a nucleus, which tended to be condensed on the free-surface side, was located in the center of each cell. Mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm.     

Distribution of epithelia in the nasal cavity of piglets

The epithelial distribution in the nasal cavity of piglets was studied by serial transverse sections. The epithelial distribution in the nasal cavity of healthy piglets varied according to the age of the animal. The transitional epithelium, which contained goblet cells but no ciliated cells, occupied a smaller proportion of the nasal cavity in the newborn piglets than in the 4-week-old piglets. The ciliated epithelium extended more rostrally in the newborn piglets and covered the non-mineralized rostral portion of the nasal ventral concha. At 28 days of age, the rostral cartilaginous concha is overlaid by the transitional epithelium, the respiratory epithelium covering the mineralized nasal ventral concha. The variations in the epithelial distribution according to age are discussed with regard to the greater susceptibility of newborn piglets to bacterial infection.     

Epithelium of lips and associated structures of the Indian major carp,Catla catla

Structural organization of the epithelium of the lips and associated structures of the Indian major carp,Catla catla, is described. The upper lip is thin and is associated on its dorsal side with a membranous fold of skin and the rostral cap. In contrast, the lower lip is thick and very conspicuous. It is associated on its ventral side with a fold of skin between it and the ventral head skin. The lower lip is divided into a non-projectile portion, a projectile portion and an intermediate groove region. The projectile portion remains folded covering a part of the ventral head skin when the mouth is closed. Their role in relation to the formation of the characteristic feeding tube is discussed. The epithelium of the lips and associated structures is stratified in nature and is composed of the epithelial cells, mucous cells, club cells, lymphocytes and the taste buds. The mucous cells are small, few or even absent and do not appear to secrete profusely at the surfaces of the upper and the lower lips. This suggests that the lips inCatla catla, which feeds on micro-organisms, do not need extra lubrication for protection against abrasion during feeding. In the epithelium at the folds of skin, the voluminous mucous cells secrete profusely and provide extra lubrication to their surface. This reduces the resistance to surface drag during stretching and enables the jaws to protrude with increasing efficiency and swiftness. The club cells are developed additionally to complement the mucous cells in the rostral cap and the upper lip epithelium. Their primary function appears protective in some way, which needs further confirmation. The taste buds, though few in the lower lip, are located in a good number in the upper lip on the characteristic epithelial papillae-like projections, and are projected at the surface. These have been associated with the acute gustatory sense of the fish. The taste buds are absent on the folds of skin where they may not be of much significance.     

The microscopic anatomy of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

An anatomical study of the digestive tract of the channel catfish revealed that the oesophageal mucosa was longitudinally folded and that secondary folds were occasionally located on the primary longitudinal folds. The infoldings were more numerous near the stomach. The stratified squamous epithelium covering the folds was made up of a basal layer, large mucous cells and simple squamous cells on the surface. The epithelium on the side of the folds consisted primarily of mucous secreting cells. Taste buds were observed between mucous cells on the apical portion of the oesophageal folds and were more prevalent in the cranial part of the oesophagus. The remaining layers of the oesophagus were: a lamina propria-submucosa, tunica muscularis and adventitia or serosa.
The J-shaped stomach had two regions: a large sac-shaped region containing gastric glands and a smaller, nonglandular pyloric region. The large rugae of the stomach became gradually smaller near the pylorus. There was a well developed pyloric sphincter. The mucosa included a simple columnar epithelium, a lamina propria and adventitia or serosa.
The intestine could be differentiated into a thick ascending segment, a descending segment, a thin convoluted segment and a thicker terminal segment, the rectum. Many mucosal folds containing branched villi characterized the ascending segment of the intestine. The descending and convoluted segments contained fewer folds with shorter and less-branching villi and were smaller in diameter and thinner walled. Descending and convoluted segments were also mildly convoluted and accounted for 80% of the total length of the intestine. An intestinal valve with a sphincter marked the beginning of the rectum. There was an approximately four-fold increase in the thickness of the tunica muscularis of the terminal segment of the intestine.     

Morphological analysis of the female reproductive system of Stenorhynchus seticornis (Brachyura: Inachoididae) and comparisons with other Majoidea

We examined the female reproductive system of the yellowline arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis by means of histological and histochemical techniques. Mature specimens obtained in the field were kept in the laboratory for mating experiments. After 24 h, newly mated females were dissected, and their reproductive trait routinely processed for embedding in historesin. The specimens examined each possessed a pair of kidney‐shaped seminal receptacles (SR), and these we classified as ventral type, based on the location of the oviduct opening. The mesodermal dorsal region (DR) of SR consisted of a stratified epithelium with scaly cells, while the ectodermal ventral region (VR) was composed of a simple epithelium covered by a cuticle. The oviduct opened at the transition region (TR) between DR and VR and had no velum. The simple epithelium of TR had more folds on the face of the oviduct opening. The vagina exhibited the same features as the TR epithelium and was contiguous to VR, anchored by muscles. In the lumen, from one to three strata of sperm packets were observed, the dorsal one containing free sperm, and the most ventral stratum, spermatophores. An acidophilic glycoprotein layer enclosed the strata. Spermatophores in the ventral stratum were enclosed in a voluminous secretion, composed by acid polysaccharides most likely from the last male mated. The ventral‐type receptacle, stratified sperm packets, and polyandry, usually observed in females of Majoidea, suggest the occurrence of sperm competition in S. seticornis, favoring the sperm of the last male mated, as its sperm mass is located near the opening of the female oviduct.     

Studies on Stenostomum grande Child, 1902 (Platyhelminthes,Catenulida): fine structure of the digestive tract and the endocytotic activity of the gastrodermis

Abstract The digestive tract and its endocytotic activity in the catenulid Stenostomum grande were studied by electron microscopy. The pharynx was typical of the simplex type. At the mouth, between the integumental epithelium and the pharyngeal epithelium proper, was a transition zone. Among the epithelial cells of this transition were monociliated sensory cells and the necks of bucco-pharyngeal secretory cells of two types. The pharyngeal epithelium proper was densely ciliated, with long ciliary rootlets and mitochondria. It was surrounded by two layers of muscles. The gastrodermis consisted of phagocytes and typical secretory Minotian cells. It was underlain by a delicate basal lamina and muscle fibers. Distinctive of the phagocytes was the presence of differentiated cilia, cup-shaped mitochondria, and vacuoles with dense inclusions. Morphological differences between pharyngeal and gastrodermal cilia suggest functional differences. Experiments using latex beads as tracers and the identification of acid phosphatase in cytoplasmic vacuoles pointed to a high level of endocytotic and digestive activity in the phagocytes. Our data demonstrate that the basic structure of the digestive tract in S. grande conforms well to that of other free-living platyhelminths, but it does have ultrastructural peculiarities.     

Scanning electron microscopic study of intestinal mucosa of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

As part of an ongoing study of the intestinal tract of the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus, the appearance of the small intestinal mucosa was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The duodenum displayed ridge-like and complex primary folds, both of which were arranged in a longitudinally directed zigzag pattern. The two types of folds alternated with each other, with the second type following the zigzag contours of the first. The folds were covered with polygonal- and dome-shaped epithelial cells. The latter cell type was less common and was restricted in location to the proximal two thirds of the mucosal folds. Both types of epithelial cells were covered with stubby microvilli which displayed a distinct linear arrangement. Goblet cells were present between the absorptive cells. In the jejunum the basic pattern of the folds persisted except that both types of primary folds became tall and leaf-like. The angle of the zigzag pattern was less acute than in the duodenum. In the ileum the two types of alternating folds decreased in height and were arranged in a longitudinally directed wave-like fashion. The zigzag mucosal folds of the small intestine ended abruptly at the ileorectal junction. The rectum displayed low, irregular folds which formed occasional large, puckered, rosette-shaped structures. The particular arrangement of the intestinal folds fulfills the dual function of promoting the absorptive process and facilitating the smooth passage of the intestinal contents. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

香鱼消化道及肝脏的形态结构特征

采用解剖及石蜡切片显微技术观察了香鱼消化道及肝脏的组织学结构。香鱼消化道由口咽腔、食道、胃及肠构成。口咽腔大且狭长,其底壁前部有一对粘膜褶,两颌边缘着生宽扁梳状齿,腭骨及舌骨具齿,犁骨无齿;舌由基舌骨突出部分覆盖粘膜构成,舌粘膜上皮为复层扁平上皮,含有较多的杯状细胞和味蕾。食道、胃及肠均由粘膜层、粘膜下层、肌层及外膜构成。食道粘膜层上皮为复层扁平上皮,杯状细胞发达。胃呈V形,由贲门部、胃体部及幽门部组成,胃壁粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,贲门部与胃体部的固有层中有胃腺。肠较短,由前、中、后肠构成,肠壁粘膜上皮为单层柱状上皮,其游离面具微绒毛;上皮细胞间有杯状细胞。幽门盲囊有350～400条,其组织学结构与肠相同。肝脏单叶,外被浆膜;肝细胞形态不规则,肝小叶界限不明显。     

Surface specializations of the epithelial cells at the tip of the optic tentacle,dorsal surface of the head and ventral surface of the foot in Helix aspersa

Summary Morphologically the surface specializations of the epithelium covering the dorsal head and ventral foot regions in Helix aspersa consists either of cilia or microvilli respectively. The epithelium at the tip of the optic tentacle is a simple one. Each epithelial cell has a number of cilia-like projections from their free surfaces. These projections usually branch at their tips into two or three slender, microvilli-like structures. From the bases of the cilia-like projections arise numerous, tubular processes which form a thick, spongy layer interspersed between these projections. The microvilli-like structures are immersed in a fine, fibrous mat; unlike the fibrous mats on the dorsal head and ventral foot epithelia this material does not autofluoresce. It is suggested that it arises from the collar cells and not from typical mucocytes. The functional relationship between these surface specializations of the optic tentacle epithelium and the abundance of sensory axons in this region is discussed. These epithelial cell projections on the tentacle probably function not only as a protective covering but also to create a fluid trap for odours in the ambient air. The various contacts between epithelial cells serve to maintain the integrity of the epithelium while allowing for stretching due to protrusion of the tentacle.This work has been supported by the Australian Research Grants Committee.     

Anatomy and Ultrastructure of Ventral Pharyngeal Organs and their Phylogenetic Importance in Polychaeta (Annelida). IV. The Pharynx and Jaws of the Dorvilleidae

An anatomical and ultrastructural investigation of the ventral pharyngeal organ, jaws and replacement of jaws was carried out in Ophryotrocha gracilis and Protodorvillea kefersteini (Dorvilleidae). The pharynx exhibits the following features: jaw apparatus present, consisting of paired mandibles and rows of maxillary plates, the latter are fused to form a single piece; cuticular jaws electron-dense, in P. kefersteini with collagen fibres; muscle bulbus solid, composed of muscle cells only; parallel running myofilaments, centrally located mitochondria and nuclei, bulbus epithelium containing the mandibles and gland cells, maxillary plates lying on folds corresponding to a tongue-like organ, connected with mandibles by longitudinal investing muscles; numerous gland cells not united to distinct salivary glands. Development of jaw replacements occurs in epithelial cavities beside the functional maxillae. Shape of maxillary plates is preformed by microvilli carrying cell processes. Maxilloblasts change their shape during the development. Synapomorphic structures occurring in ventral pharyngeal organs of other species outside the Eunicea are not present and even the closely related Dinophilidae exhibit a completely different pharyngeal organ. Therefore, convergent evolution of these organs is the most probable explanation. These findings do not agree with the hypothesis of the homology of the ventral pharyngeal organs in the Polychaeta.     

Integrin-alphavbeta6, a putative receptor for foot-and-mouth disease virus, is constitutively expressed in ruminant airways.

Evolved functions of integrin-alpha(v)beta(6) include roles in epithelial cell-extracellular matrix protein interactions and in the binding and activation of latent TGF-beta(1). Integrin-alpha(v)beta(6) is also exploited as a receptor by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and may play a significant role in its transmission and pathogenesis. The ovine beta(6) integrin subunit was cloned and sequenced (EMBL accession no. AJ439062). Screening of normal ovine tissues by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry confirmed that integrin-alphavbeta6 is restricted to sheep epithelial cells. Integrin-alphavbeta6 expression was detected in epithelia of the airways, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, sweat glands, hair follicle sheaths, and the epidermis of pedal coronary band (PB) but not of normal skin. Consistent with FMDV tropism, integrin-alphavbeta6 was detected within the basal layers of the stratified squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa and PB. In addition, integrin-alphavbeta6 appears to be constitutively expressed in the normal airways of both cattle and sheep. The latter finding suggests that ruminant airway epithelium presents a highly accessible target for initiation of infection with FMDV by inhalation.     

光唇鱼消化道的形态结构特征

采用解剖及石蜡切片显微技术,观察研究了光唇鱼消化道的形态结构特征。消化道由口咽腔、食道、肠构成。口下位、马蹄形,无颌齿,具咽齿,齿式为4/4。舌较小,前端游离,舌粘膜表层为复层鳞状上皮,有较多的杯状细胞和味蕾。食道及肠均由粘膜层、粘膜下层、肌层及外膜构成。食道内皱襞发达,粘膜层有大量杯状细胞。肠道盘曲,由前、中、后肠组成,肠长/体长为1.84±0.24;前肠管腔较大,中、后肠管腔渐变小;前、中肠皱襞及纹状缘比后肠发达;前肠及后肠杯状细胞较少,中肠杯状细胞较多。光唇鱼消化道的形态结构特征与其食性相适应。