Heat tolerance and altitudinal distribution of a mountainous lizard, Takydromus hsuehshanensis, in Taiwan

1.

We investigated whether heat tolerance has a crucial impact on the altitudinal distribution of a high-altitude lizard, Takydromus hsuehshanensis (>1800 m altitude).     

The vomeronasal epithelia of NMRI mouse

Summary The features of the apical and lateral surfaces of cells of the vomeronasal epithelium were studied in adult male mice by scanning electron microscopy. Supporting cells and receptor cells of the neuroepithelium are covered with microvilli. Microvilli of the sensory cells are longer and thinner than those of the supporting cells. Additionally, the former differ in local distribution, orientation, occurrence of branching and appearance of the cell coat. The receptor-free epithelium consists most likely of one cell type only, which shows different structural modifications including the presence, number and length of microvilli and cilia. In the transitional region, between the neuroepithelium and the receptor-free epithelium, immature receptor cells are present.This paper is dedicated to Prof. A. JinoSupported by grants from the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Br. 358/5-1)     

达乌尔黄鼠犁鼻器和副嗅球的组织结构及嗅球c-Fos表达的季节变化

啮齿动物的犁鼻器和副嗅球与社会通讯和生殖行为有关,主嗅球影响其觅食行为。达乌尔黄鼠（Spermophilus dauricus）是一种具有较低社会行为的储脂类冬眠动物。本研究用组织学和免疫组织化学方法探究了其犁鼻器和副嗅球的结构特点及嗅球神经元活动对季节变化的适应。结果发现,达乌尔黄鼠犁鼻器具有较大的血管,犁鼻器管腔外侧为非感觉性的呼吸上皮（Respiratory epithelium,RE）,内侧为感觉上皮（Sensory epithelium,SE）,RE较SE薄,靠近管腔处为假复层柱状上皮。选取犁鼻器中间部位比较,发现SE的厚度、长度及感觉细胞密度均无性别差异。副嗅球位于主嗅球后方背内侧,由6层细胞构成。侧嗅束穿过副嗅球,位于颗粒细胞层之上。雄性达乌尔黄鼠较雌性有更长的僧帽细胞层和颗粒细胞层。春季（3月）和冬季（1月）达乌尔黄鼠主嗅球的嗅小球层、僧帽细胞层和颗粒细胞层的c-Fos-ir神经元密度显著低于夏季（7月）和秋季（10月）,且冬季外网织层的c-Fos-ir神经元密度显著低于夏季和秋季,说明达乌尔黄鼠在冬季和春季的嗅觉神经活动较弱,呈现出对冬眠的生理性适应。这些结果丰富了动物犁鼻器和副嗅球的形态学资料,并有助于理解冬眠动物嗅觉系统对季节变化和冬眠的适应。     

Morphological evidence for a direct innervation of the mouse vomeronasal glands

Summary The morphological evidence for a direct autonomic innervation of the mouse vomeronasal glands is presented. Axonal varicosities containing a few densecore vesicles and numerous clear vesicles (36–60 nm in diameter) make synaptic contacts with the secretory cells at the base of the glandular acini. The axonal presynaptic membrane is associated with a distinct dense material and it is separated from the secretory cell by a synaptic cleft of about 12–14 nm. At the postsynaptical level, coated vesicles can be found. Additional postsynaptical specializations have not been observed.     

Lectin histochemical localization of galactose,N-acetylgalactosamine,and N-acetylglucosamine in glycoconjugates of the rat vomeronasal organ,with comparison to the olfactory and septal mucosae

The localization of -D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine sugar residues of glycoconjugates in the vomeronasal organ, olfactory mucosa, and septal organ in the nasal mucosae of rats was investigated using lectinohistochemical techniques combined with bright-field, epifluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Glycoconjugates in the mucomicrovillar complex of the vomeronasal organ contained all the sugar residues investigated, whereas glycoconjugates in the mucociliary complex of the olfactory mucosa and septal organ contained only N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Vomeronasal receptor neurons expressed glycoconjugates with terminal -D-galactose and -N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues, whereas olfactory and septal receptor neurons expressed glycoconjugates with only N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues. Secretory granules of glands of the vomeronasal organ contained glycoconjugates with terminal -D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, whereas those of the Bowman's glands and glands of septal organ contained glycoconjugates with only internal N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues. The results demonstrate that the glycoconjugates expressed by vomeronasal receptor neurons and glands contain terminal -D-galactose and -N-acetyl-D-galactosamine sugar residues that are not expressed by analogous cells in the olfactory mucosa and septal organ.     

Unusual structural changes in mitochondria during spermiogenesis in the oribatid mite,Hafenrefferia gilvipes (Acari)

Summary N-methyl-formimino-methylester (MFM), a highly volatile chemical substance, causes massive, transient sensory-cell degeneration in the main, but not in the vomeronasal olfactory sensory epithelium of mice. After MFM-treatment it appears possible to study the accessory olfactory system after chemical deafferentation of the main system.Supported by grants from Bundesanstalt für Arbeit, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, and Alexander von Humboldt-StiftungThe authors are indebted to Prof. F. Effenberger for help with the synthesis of N-methyl-formimino-methylester     

The combined role of the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems in social communication in mammals

The main olfactory and the vomeronasal systems are the two systems by which most vertebrates detect chemosensory cues that mediate social behavior. Much research has focused on how one system or the other is critical for particular behaviors. This has lead to a vision of two distinct and complexly autonomous olfactory systems. A closer look at research over the past 30 years reveals a different picture however. These two seemingly distinct systems are much more integrated than previously thought. One novel set of chemosensory cues in particular (MHC Class I peptide ligands) can show us how both systems are capable of detecting the same chemosensory cues, through different mechanisms yet provide the same general information (genetic individuality). Future research will need to now focus on how two seemingly distinct chemosensory systems together detect pheromones and mediate social behaviors. Do these systems work independently, synergistically or competitively in communicating between individuals of the same species?     

The cell coat of the olfactory epithelium proper and vomeronasal neuroepithelium of the rat as revealed by means of the Ruthenium-red reaction

Summary The apical cell coat of the olfactory epithelium proper and the vomeronasal neuroepithelium of the rat was investigated electronmicroscopically by means of the Ruthenium-red reaction. In the olfactory epithelium proper, the cilia of receptor cells and microvilli of supporting cells possess a cell coat measuring approximately 10 nm in thickness. In the vomeronasal neuroepithelium, the apical cell coat is thicker than in the olfactory epithelium proper. On microvilli of vomeronasal receptor cells the cell coat varies in thickness from 15 to 20 nm, and on microvilli of supporting cells it measures approximately 75 nm. The functional implications of these findings are discussed.A portion of this study was presented at the 6^th European Anatomical Congress in Hamburg. This publication is dedicated to Prof. E. KlikaSupported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Br 358/5-1).     

Merkel cells and nerve endings in the labial epidermis of a lizard

Summary Examination of the labial epidermis of the lizard Lacerta sicula revealed cells displaying all features of Merkel cells. These cells are located in the stratum basale of epidermal pegs and are arranged in clusters.     

Ultrastructural studies on the epithelia of the olfactory organ of cyprinodonts (teleostei,cyprinodontoidea)

Summary The epithelia of the olfactory organ of two cyprinodontoid fish species were studied both by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The relatively flat floor of the organ is covered by sensory and nonsensory epithelia. The latter is distributed in the form of bands or ridges separating distinct areas of sensory epithelium. Differences between the olfactory organs of the two species investigated related only to the topography and quantitative distribution of the epithelia. Their ultrastructural features are very similar. The nonsensory stratified squamous epithelium contains numerous goblet cells and surface cells provided with microridges. A hypothetical function of the microridges is discussed. The sensory epithelium consists mainly of basal, supporting, and two types of sensory cells, i.e., ciliated and microvillous receptor cells. The cilia exhibit a predominant 9+0 microtubule pattern. Both epithelia are covered by a mucus layer in which all surface structures seem to be embedded. The possible nature, origin, and movement mechanisms of the mucus are discussed.This work was supported by the Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftDedicated to Prof. Dr. med. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Apical protuberances of supporting cells in the regio olfactoria of the mole,Talpa europaea,Linnaeus, 1758 (Insectivora,Talpidae)

Summary The regio olfactoria of the mole, Talpa europaea, was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Peculiar structural differentiations, i.e. ovoid-shaped, balloon-like protuberances were found on the surface of the supporting cells. The apical portion of these protuberances contained finely dispersed granular material, whereas in their central part vesicular extensions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum were observed.     

Fine structure of capillaries in the conus papillaris of the limbless lizard,Ophisaurus apodus (Anguidae,Lacertilia)

Summary The conus papillaris of Ophisaurus apodus consists of blood vessels and pigment cells. The capillary walls are formed by endothelial cells, scarce pericytes and basal laminae. The cell bodies are attenuated and the plasmalemma of their luminal and abluminal surfaces forms microvilli. The perivascular space is well developed, containing nerve fibers and their terminals. Similar localization and ultrastructure of avian pecten oculi and lacertilian conus papillaris suggest homology of these structures.     

Fine structure of the ordinary lateral line organ

Summary The lateral line organ of the spotted shark is characterized by its semi-cylindrical shape. Each organ (neuromast) is so closely apposed to the next that the individual neuromasts are almost continuous. The neuromast is composed of receptor cells, supporting cells and mantle cells. The receptor cells bear one kinocilium and up to 40 stereocilia. Bi-directional arrangement of the receptor cells as occurs in teleosts was demonstrated. Afferent and efferent nerve endings were found at the base of the receptor cells. The supporting cells extend from the basal lamina to the free surface. Long microvilli and a cilium-like ciliary rod project from the top of each supporting cell. The cell contains relatively few elements of the Golgi apparatus and little rough endoplasmic reticulum, but mitochondria and filaments are abundant. The mantle cell limits the lateral margin of the neuromast. It is distinguished from the supporting cell because of its long crescent-shaped nucleus and scarce, short microvilli. Myelinated nerve fibres are found in the subepithelial connective tissue but not in the epithelium.The fine structure of the shark lateral line organ suggests that this organ is in an intermediated step of evolution between that of lamprey and teleost.     

Copillaria hepatica: Fine structure of egg shell

The structure of the Capillaria hepatica egg shell was studied with the electron microscope and correlated with light microscope histochemical observations. The shell is composed of fibrous and nonfibrous components, both of which stain for protein. The fibrous component, the major portion of the shell, consists of submicroscopic fibers. The nonfibrous component is located in the outer region of the shell but is not always visible; when present it has a reticulated appearance in electron micrographs. The fibrous component is divided into outer and inner regions. The outer region is composed of radially arranged pillars which are connected at their outer surface by a beam-like network and are anchored at the base to a compact inner region. The inner region consists of a series of concentrically arranged lamellae above which is located a nonlaminated region where the pillar bases originate. At each polar end of the shell is a single opening plugged with a material which contains acid mucopolysaccharide. The fine structure of the body of the plug is unresolvable with the electron microscope; its outer surface is impregnated with electron dense particles. Externally the shell is covered by a 250 Å thick continuous membrane which is in close opposition to the surrounding host tissue.     

Roles of the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems in the detection of androstenone in inbred strains of mice

We investigated the role of the main olfactory and accessory olfactory systems (MOS and AOS respectively) in the detection of androstenone. We used the following experimental approaches: behavioral, surgical removal of the vomeronasal organ (VNX) followed by histochemical verification and Fos immunohistochemistry. Using a Y-maze paradigm we estimated sensitivity of NZB/B1NJ and CBA/J mice to androstenone. CBA mice were 2,000-fold more sensitive to androstenone than NZB mice. VNX caused a 4- to 16-fold decre...     

Identification of neutrophils in the nonsensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ in virus-antibody-free rats

Cells infiltrating the nonsensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ of virus-antibody-free rats exhibited surface immunoreactivity for ₂-microglobulin and immunoglobulin (Ig) E. They were further characterized by using immunohistochemical techniques with antibodies to cell-specific markers or histochemical techniques for immunocytes with surface receptors for IgE. Localization of intracellular granules immunoreactive for lactoferrin and CD18, a leukocyte adhesion molecule, unequivocally identified these cells as neutrophils. The low number of IgA-and IgG-immunoreactive B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and accessory immunocytes in the vomeronasal organ as well as the rest of the nasal cavity confirmed the absence of infection. We hypothesize that the operation of the vomeronasal pump induces repeated episodes of transient focal ischemia followed by reperfusion, which results in release of neutrophil chemoattractants and modulation of adhesion factors that regulate the extravasation and migration of neutrophils into the nonsensory epithelium. The distribution of immunoreactivity for interleukin 8 suggests that it is not the primary neutrophil chemoattractant in this system while that of CD18 suggests its active involvement in neutrophil extravasation. In addition to their role in immune surveillance, neutrophils may stimulate ion/water secretion into the vomeronasal lumen, affecting the perireceptor processes regulating stimulus access and clearance from the sensory epithelium.     

The cellular organization and nervous supply of the basilar papilla in the lizard,Calotes versicolor

Summary The basilar papilla of the lizard Calotes versicolor contains about 225 sensory cells. These are of two types: the short-haired type A cells in the ventral (apical) part of the organ, and the type B cells with long hair bundles, in the dorsal (basal) part of the organ. The type A cells are unidirectionally oriented and are covered by a tectorial membrane while the type B cells lack a covering structure and their hair bundles are oriented bidirectionally. Apart from those differences, the type A and type B cells are similar. They are columnar, and display the features common to most sensory cells in inner ear epithelia. The sensory cells are separated by supporting cells, which have long slender processes that keep the sensory cells apart. Close to the surface of the basilar papilla a terminal bar of specialized junctions interlocks adjacent cells. Below this, adjacent supporting cells are linked by an occluding junction.The cochlear nerve enters from the medial (neural) aspect. The fibres of the nerve lose their myelin sheaths as they enter the basilar papilla. Each sensory cell is associated with several nerve endings. All the nerves identified were afferent. Marked variations were seen between nerve endings in the basilar papilla, but no morphological equivalents of any functional differences were observed.This work is supported by grant no. B76-12X-00720-11A from the Swedish Medical Research Council, and by funds from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.