Le caryotype de l'Amphibien Urodèle Euproctus asper (Dugès)

Résumé Chez le Salamandridé Euproctus asper, le caryotype analysé à partir de testicules adultes et d'épiderme larvaire montre que le nombre chromosomique diploïde est de 24. Ces chromosomes se rangent en trois groupes principaux à l'intérieur desquels la plupart des éléments peuvent s'identifier individuellement grâce à leur indice centromérique.Le classement des chromosomes en trois groupes reste possible pour les figures haploïdes de 2^e division méïotique spermatocytaire. Dans ce dernier cas on peut encore, à l'intérieur de deux des groupes, identifier individuellement chacun des éléments.Il ne semble pas y avoir d'hétérochromosomes morphologiquement différenciés dans cette espèce.

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The karyotype of Euproctus asper (Urodela, Salamandridae) was analyzed from squash preparations of adult testes and larval epidermis. The diploid chromosome number is 24. These chromosomes can be classified into three groups. Most of the elements included in these groups can be identified individually by means of their length and arm-ratio. The classification into three groups remains possible for second meiotic division chromosomes. In the latter case, it is still possible to identify individually each chromosome in two of the three groups. There is no evidence of heteromorphic pairs in the present species.

     

The Miocene mammal record of the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia)

The land mammal record of the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia, NE Spain) ranges from the early Miocene (Ramblian) to the late Miocene (Turolian), that is from about 20 to 7 Ma. Here we present an updated review of the mammal succession focusing on biochronology as well as on environmental and faunal changes. Based on faunal similarities with central Europe, we interpret this basin as a transitional zone between the forested environments of northern regions and the more arid landscapes of the inner Iberian Peninsula. The quality of the Vallès-Penedès record and its chronostratigraphic control is clearly better for the late Aragonian and the Vallesian (between 12.6–9.0 Ma), especially for small mammals. Therefore, we analyze small mammal diversity dynamics during this interval. Contrary to previous analyses, which found an abrupt extinction event coinciding with the early/late Vallesian boundary (the Vallesian Crisis), our results show that this pattern is due to uneven sampling. Instead, taxonomic richness slowly decreased since the late Vallesian as a result of a series of extinctions that mostly affected forest-dwelling taxa.     

La spermiogenèse d'Albula vulpes (L. 1758) (Poisson Albulidae)

Résumé La jeune spermatide possède un noyau arrondi, un diplosome proche de la membrane cellulaire auquel sont associées des formations paracentriolaires; une mitochondrie unique est disposée entre le diplosome et le noyau.Au cours de l'évolution de la spermatide, le noyau s'allonge latéralement, son grand axe étant perpendiculaire à l'axe flagellaire; la mitochondrie migre à l'extrémité latérale du noyau; le centriole distal donne un flagelle de type 9+0; le centriole proximal se prolonge le long du noyau puis sort de la cellule sous la forme d'un pseudo-flagelle. Le prolongement centriolaire est constitué de triplets classiques et de doublets d'un type particulier que nous avons appelés «doublets A–C».Les auteurs signalent la similitude des spermatozoïdes de cet Elopiforme avec les spermatozoïdes d'Anguilliformes ce qui serait en faveur de la proposition de Greenwood et al. de rassembler ces téléostéens dans le super-ordre des Elopomorphes.

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The spermiogenesis of Albula vulpes (L. 1758) (albulidae fish)

Summary The early spermatid possesses a round nucleus and a diplosome which is close to the cellular membrane and with which paracentriolar formations are associated; a sole mitochondrion is located between the diplosome and the nucleus.During the spermatid evolution, the nucleus is laterally elongated, its main axis being perpendicular to the flagellar axis; the mitochondrion migrates towards the lateral end of the nucleus; the distal centriole is extended along the nucleus, then leaves the cell as a pseudoflagellum. This centriolar extension is made up of regular triplets and of a particular type of doublets that we have called A–C doublets.The authors call attention to the similarity between the spermatozoa of this Elopiforme and the spermatozoa of the Anguilliformes. This observation favours Greenwood et al.'s proposition, to place these teleost into the super-order of Elopomorpha.

Les auteurs tiennent à remercier Mr. C. Chauve et Mr. J.-N. Roy pour leur collaboration.     

Caractères taxinomiques et spécificité dans le genreAsplanchna (Rotifère)

A comparative analysis of eight characters in two clones ofA. brightwelli and a clone ofA. intermedia, fed withParamecium orBrachionus, is made to determine the intraclonal, interclonal and interspecific variations in this complex of species.The trophi morphology appears the most species specific criterium whereas the other features (size of males, diameter and ornamentation of resting eggs, nuclear number in syncytial glands) show variability, either genetic or related to environmental conditions. The variation observed in the ornamentation of resting eggs and in the nuclear number of vitellogen was distributed along a continuous gradient.

     

Description de trois espèces nouvelles d'Oligochètes aquatiques du Pays Basque (Espagne)

Three new species of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida, Oligochaeta) collected in Spain are described. Two are Enchytraeids (Henlea andreae n.sp. and Enchytraeus thomasi n.sp.) and one is a Lumbriculid (Trichodrilus diversisetosus n.sp.).     

New remains of Dorcatherium crassum (Artiodactyla: Tragulidae) from the Early Miocene (MN4) of Els Casots (Subirats,Vallès-Penedès Basin)

New tragulid dental remains from the late Early Miocene (16.5–16.3 Ma, MN4) locality of Els Casots (Vallès-Penedès Basin, Catalonia, Spain) are described. This sample fits well, both in size and occlusal morphology, with the material of Dorcatherium crassum from the type locality (Sansan, France; MN6). We therefore attribute the tragulid from Els Casots to this species, also in agreement with its known chronostratigraphic range throughout Europe (MN4–MN6) and the previous records of this species from other MN4 localities of the Vallès-Penedès Basin. The described remains – which include the postcanine lower deciduous and permanent dentition, as well as several upper cheek teeth – constitute the most complete sample of D. crassum from the Iberian Peninsula. The presence of this species at Els Casots is consistent with the lacustrine depositional environment inferred from sedimentological evidence and associated fauna, and further confirms the nearby presence of densely forested environments with a humid climate with low seasonality.     

Silica accumulation in long-lived leaves of Sasa veitchii (Carrière) Rehder (Poaceae-Bambusoideae)

Silica accumulation in long-lived leaves of Sasa veitchii was investigated using the molybdenum blue method. In general, silica accumulation was rapid during spring and summer, and slow during winter. The leaves continuously accumulate silica throughout their life. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to two hypotheses for silica accumulation in plants: (1) that silica accumulation is a result of water consumption by the plant: and (2) that silica is actively accumulated to protect the plant. The results of the present study support the former hypothesis.     

Orthida (brachiopoda) de la formation de Postolonnec (Ordovicien) Finistère,France

Three species of Orthida are described from the «Schistes de Postolonnec Formation. The distribution of Crozonorthis musculosa n. g., n. sp. allows to improve the correlations between the Iberic Peninsula and the Armorican massif and supply new arguments for a Llandeilian age to a part of the «Schistes de Postolonnec Formation.     

A new pliopithecid genus (primates: Pliopithecoidea) from Castell de Barberà (Vallès-Penedès Basin, Catalonia, Spain)

Barberapithecus huerzeleri gen. et sp. nov. (Primates, Pliopithecidae) is erected on the basis of material from Castell de Barberà (Middle to Late Miocene, ca. 11.2-10.5 Ma), in the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia, Spain), including: 15 teeth (representing most of the permanent dentition) from a single female individual (holotype); an isolated P/3 (paratype); and a male C1/ (referred to the hypodigm). Previously, this material had been only partially figured and described, being attributed to Pliopithecus or to a new taxon with possible crouzeliine affinities. The erection of a new genus is justified by several autapomorphic features, such as markedly buccolingually compressed and mesiodistally elongated C1/, extremely buccolingually compressed, and mesiodistally oriented C/1 main cusp, P/4 with a large trigonid subequal to the talonid, very large distal foveae on the M/1 and especially the M/2, and lower molars with a quadrangular central fovea and a mesially situated entoconid. These features are associated with a set of crouzeliine synapomorphies, such as buccolingually compressed and peripheralized cusps, well-developed crests, large and well-defined occlusal foveae, upper molars with long preprotocrista, short hypoparacrista, somewhat distally situated protocone and short distal fovea, distinct P/3 metaconid, well-developed P/4 premetacristid, and relatively narrow lower molars with a reduced entoconid. Although more primitive, Barberapithecus resembles Anapithecus in some derived features. Both taxa are included into a new tribe (Anapithecini), together with other crouzeliines except Plesiopliopithecus (tribe Crouzeliini). The retention of primitive, pliopithecine-like features in Barberapithecus suggests that anapithecins might have evolved from a Pliopithecus ancestor, so that as currently conceived the Crouzeliinae might be polyphyletic.     

Une nouvelle espèce d'Apodemus (Rodentia,Mammalia)du Pliocène de la dépression de Guadix-Baza (Grenade,Espagne)

This paper describes a new species of Apodemus,A. agustii, a Middle Pliocene Muridae from the Guadix-Baza basin. Its morphology is far from that postulated as more frequent in Apodemus: its molars crowns are relatively high: there is no connection between t6 and t9 in M¹ and M². Taking in account this and its age, it is placed in an evolutionary branch, convergent with “Rhagapodemus” morphotype.     

Redescription ofApogon (Ostorhinchus) fleurieu (Lacepède, 1802) with notes on its synonymy

The speciesOstorhinchus fleurieu Lacepède, 1802 is recognized as a senior synonym ofApogon aureus (Lacepède, 1802) on the basis of diagnostic colour features of Lacepède’s illustration of the species (after Commerson). The species is redescribed and a neotype designated. The synonymy of the species is discussed in the light of the history of Commerson’s and Lacepède’s work.Nectamia is replaced byOstorhinchus as a subgenus ofApogon.     

Présence de collagène dans le proventricule des Syllidiens (Annélides Polychètes)

Résumé L'auteur décrit en particulier à l'aide du microscope électronique les différentes couches constituant la paroi du proventricule de Syllidiens (Annélides Polychètes) en insistant spécialement sur celles (zones sous-épithéliales) situées de part et d'autre de la couche des muscles radiaires caractéristique de cet organe. II est montré que, contrairement à ce qu'il était admis jusqu'à présent, les zones sous-épithéliales sont constituées par des fibres de collagène noyées dans un matériel granuleux vraisemblablement de nature mucopolysaccharidique. D'autre part, un système d'attache particulier entre zones sous-épithéliales et musculature radiaire est mis en évidence.Les fibres de collagène de périodicité 560 Å constituent, autour de la musculature radiaire, un réseau à mailles rectangulaires hautement organisé. Dans l'assise la plus interne de ce réseau, les fibres sont allongées parallèlement à l'axe antéro-postérieur du Ver; dans l'assise la plus externe, elles sont disposées circulairement dans des plans transversaux.La signification de la présence de ces fibres de collagène (les seules existant dans tout le corps des Syllis étudiés) est évoquée. Les problèmes de leur origine et du rôle possible de cellules différenciées (musculaires) dans la synthèse de ce collagène sont analysés.

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Presence of collagen in the proventriculus of Syllids

Summary The layers of the wall of the proventriculus of Syllids (Annelids Polychetes) were studied, mainly with the aid of the electron microscope. The areas on both sides of the radial musculature (subepithelial zones) were given special attention. Contrary to previous views, it was shown that the subepithelial zones contain collagen fibrils within a granular material probably of mucopolysaccharide nature. Furthermore, a system of special attachment devices between subepithelial zones and radial musculature was demonstrated.The collagen fibrils (periodicity 560 Å) form a highly organized network with rectangular meshes around the radial musculature. In the innermost layer of this network, the fibers run parallel to the antero-posterior axis of the worm; in the outermost layer, they run circularly.The significance of the presence of these collagen fibers, the only in existence in the entire organism studied, is discussed. The problem of their origin, and the possible role played by differentiated (muscular) cells in the synthesis of this collagen are analyzed.

     

Étude des Amines Biogènes de Glycera convoluta K. (Annélide Polychète)

Résumé L'étude par la méthode histochimique de fluorescence de Falck, du ganglion cérébroïde ét de la chaine nerveuse ventrale de Glycera convoluta K. a permis la mise en évidence de péricaryons et de fibres présentant une fluorescence jaune et verte. La nature et le métabolisme des amines mises en évidence histochimiquement ont été étudiées par des techniques biochimiques. La présence d'adrénaline et de 5-hydroxytryptamine a pu être établie avec certitude. Deux autres amines identifiées chromatographiquement comme étant de la dopamine et de la noradrénaline présentent cependant des caractéristiques spectrofluorimétriques légèrement différentes de ces deux substances.La rétention de la noradrénaline et de la dopamine étudiée par des techniques radiochimiques s'est montrée plus longue que dans le canal déférent du Rat. Les composants lipidiques, protéolipidiques et protéiques étudiés chromatographiquement sont apparus assez différents de ceux rencontrés chez les Mammifères.Des données récentes ont montré l'importance de l'arrangement spatial des groupements fonctionnels dans la molécule du médiateur par rapport à la (ou aux) protéine (s) lors de la fixation de la noradrénaline dans les fibres adrénergiques des Mammifères. Aussi peut on estimer que les différences observées entre les caractéres spectrofluorimétriques des catécholamines de G. convoluta et du Rat pourraient tenir plus à la forme de capture et de stockage des amines qu'à une différence profonde de leur nature chimique.

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Biogenic amine study of Glycera convoluta K. (annelida, polychaeta)

Summary The supra-oesophageal ganglion and ventral nerve cord of Glycera convoluta K. were studied with the fluorescence method of Falck. Many perikarya and fibers show a green and yellow fluorescence. The nature and metabolism of the observed biogenic amines were studied by biochemical methods. Epinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were certainly present. Two other amines show chromatographic characters of dopamine and norepinephrine, but exhibit a slight difference in their fluorimetric spectra with these two catecholamines.Radiochemical methods have shown that the retention of norepinephrine and dopamine is longer in the ventral nerve cord of G. convoluta than in the vas deferens of the rat.The lipids, proteolipids and proteins of G. convoluta were different from those found in mammals as demonstrated by chromatographic analysis.Recent findings have shown the importance of the spatial arrangement of active groups in the molecule of transmitter for its retention by the protein matrix in the adrenergic fibers of mammals. The differences found by spectrofluorimetry and by measurements of the time of retention between catecholamines of rat and G. convoluta can be explained by differences in the nature of the protein matrix or by the spatial arrangement of active groups in the transmitter molecule.

Nos remerciements vont à Mme L. Desgroux-Lelièvre et à M.B. Lesbats, pour la collaboration qu'ils nous ont apportée dans la réalisation de ce travail, ainsi qu'au personnel de la Station Biologique de Roscoff qui nous a aimablement fourni les animaux utilisés.     

An electron microscopical examination of Echinoderes dujardini Claparède (Kinorrhyncha)

Summary The first morphological examination of the surface and internal anatomy of the kinorhynch, Echinoderes dujardini was undertaken using the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.The oral styles and at least the first ring of scalids were found to have a basal pectinate fringe that resembles the pectinate fringe found at the posterior margins of the trunk segments. In addition to the fringe, the scalids were subdivisible into at least two distinct classes which are similar in structure to the trichoscalid and type I spinocalid identified by Moritz and Storch in T. giganteus. The trichoscalid of E. dujardini however, was found to possess a unique fluted cuticle structure with spines arising only on the medial surface.Although pores are known to occur in the cuticle of homalorhagid kinorhynchs, such pores were not found in the cyclorhagid, E. dujardini.A structure, provisionally designated sensory-like structure is described. Some 60 or more compactly placed spines occur as paired circles or ellipses on all but the terminal trunk segment.An electron dense structure was seen in the subsurface of the placids that may lend mechanical support and may contribute to the Napoleon hats seen with light microscopy. Micrographs of the circumentric nerve ring, gut, epidermis and pharynx are presented. Located at the anterior of the pharynx is a peripharyngeal muscle. The muscle, composed of two membrane bounded smooth muscle strands, probably acts as a sphincter to prevent a reverse flow of food material. Finally, scanning micrographs show a single opening located dorsolaterally on the 10th segment. This opening has been interpreted as an excretory pore even though it does not occur ventrolaterally on the 11th segment as reported for other kinorhynchs.This investigation was supported in part by NIH Contract 70-4136 from the Division of Research Resources.     

Aethophyllum BRONGNIART 1828, Conifère (non Équisétale)du Grès à Voltzia (Buntsandstein supérieur) des Vosges (France): Note préliminaire

AethophyllumBRONGNIART 1828 is a plant genus from the Voltzia Sandstones (Upper Bunter) of the Vosges which has been classified first into the Monocotyledons and than into the Equisetales. A careful study of new material shows that it actually is a Gymnosperm and more exactly a Conifer. Male cones found separately have already been described under the name Masculostrobus acuminatusGRAUVOGEL-STAMM and GRAUVOGEL, 1973. This Triassic plant presents simultaneously affinities with some Cordaites (Poacordaites) and with some Podozamites (P. schenki-agardhianus group of Harris 1935 + Swedenborgia).     

Synthèse du 4-O-[(s)-1-carboxyéthyl]-d-glucose et de son isomère (R)

Alkylation of benzyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-glucopyranoside in N,Ndimethyl formamide with (R)-2-chloropropionic acid gave crystalline benzyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-[(S)-carboxyethyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside. After hydrogenolysis of the benzyl group 4-O-[(S)-D-carboxyethyl]-D-glucose was obtained which lactonized very easily. Treatment of benzyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-[(S)-1-carboxyethyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside with diazomethane gave cristalline benzyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-[(S)-1-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside, which was reduced with lithium aluminium hydride to crystalline benzyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-[(S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside After hydrogenolysis of the benzyl groups 4-O-[(S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-D-glucose was obtained. A similar sequence of reactions was performed with (S)-2-chloropropionic acid.