Lectin binding of surface epithelia and concomitant glands of gallbladder and biliary ducts in the guinea pig

Summary Complex carbohydrate components of secretory granules and the glycocalix were analysed in surface epithelia, endoepithelial glands and exoepithelial tubuloalveolar glands of the biliary-ductular system (guinea pig). Brunner glands and pyloric glands were studied for comparison. The columnar epithelial cells of the gallbladder and biliary ducts displayed a well-developed PAS-positive apical glycocalix. These materials strongly bound Ricinus communis AI, Ulex europaeus I, Lotus tetragonolobus A and wheat-germ-A lectins. With the exception of Lotus A lectin which did not bind at all, the same lectins stained the basolateral cell surface. The secretory granules in the supranuclear regions of surface epithelia and in the exoepithelial glands strongly bound Ricinus A I, Ulex europaeus I, wheat-germ-A and Helix pomatia lectins. Concanavalin A was less intensively bound by the secretions of tubuloalveolar glands than by the secretory granules in surface epithelia. The luminal and basolateral cell surfaces of glandular cells in the exoepithelial glands were stained by the same spectrum of lectins as were the less distinct. In the guinea pig, the lectin-binding patterns of tubuloalveolar glands in the biliary ducts closely resembled those of Brunner glands and pyloric glands. The secretions of the tubuloalveolar glands were different from the secretion of surface epithelia, as they bound Concanavalin A less intensively.     

A study of glands on cotton responsible for the high pH and cation concentration of the leaf surface

Groups of hygroscopic microcrystalline particles were found on the leaf surface of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum and were shown to be produced by glands in the epidermis. The glands were hydathode-like, about 20 μm in diameter by 25 μm long, with swollen, rounded, apices. They secreted high concentrations of magnesium and potassium and some sulphur and calcium, as indicated by X-ray microanalysis, onto the leaf surface. The proportions of elements present in gland secretions could be altered by changing the root environment of the plant. When the microcrystalline particles were removed and made up in distilled water the resulting solution had a pH of 10.2. It was established that the glands are responsible for the high pH and cation concentrations on the cotton leaf surface. The morphology and structure of the glands was investigated by light and electron microscopy and their possible function is discussed.     

The homology of cranial glands in turtles: with special reference to the nomenclature of salt glands

The cranial glands of ten species of turtles were studied by the use of histochemistry applied to serial sections of whole heads. The majority were stenohaline species, but one brackish water form, Malaclemys, was included. The results show that all species have two major orbital glands, an anterior Harderian gland, and a posterior lachrymal gland. The latter is seromucous in all species except Malaclemys terrapin in which the gland shows little evidence or organic secretion. External and medial nasal glands are found in all species studied, and also are seromucous glands. With these reslts, combined with a review of the literature the following conclusions are made. The Harderian gland is by definition the orbital gland opening through the medial surface of the nictitating membrane at or near the anterior canthus. It is of constant occurrence, and histological appearance, probably serving the same function. However, despite much recent study this function remains unknown. The lachrymal gland is defined as the orbital gland which opens through the lateral surface of the nictitating membrane, or medial surface of the lower eyelid, at or near the posterior canthus. It is of variable occurrence, absent in many reptiles, and has a histological structure which is also variable. In the stenohaline species it is apparently involved in organic secretion, while in the brackish water Malaclemys it may be involved in salt secretion, as it is in Cheloniidae. The nasal glands in turtles are probably homologous with the nasal salt glands of lizards and birds, but they do not appear to subserve the same function. In all species of turtles studied the nasal glands are seromucous. They are perhaps involved in the maintenance of the epithelium of the olfactory cavity.     

The development of the mucilage gland of two Japanese species ofAlaria

The genusAlaria possesses a structure known as the mucilage gland which appears mainly on the frond. This is also true ofUndaria. The mucilage gland ofUndaria usually originates from some of the epidermal cells. However, observations of plants ofAlaria at various stages indicate that glands originate not only in the surface layer. There are still other glands which are initiated by some cortical cells situated directly beneath the epidermis. In both, a refractive substance is gradually accumulated as these cells enlarge. The mucilage glands starting in the surface (the primary mucilage glands) resemble those ofUndaria in their development, whereas those in the cortex (the secondary mucilage glands) are quite analogous to the secretory cells ofLaminaria, etc., which secrete mucilage into a mucilage canal in the first stage. Thus,Alaria seems to constitute a link betweenUndaria andLaminaria, etc.     

Early Development of the Secretory Cavity of Peltate Glands in Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae)

Early development of the secretory cavity of chemically fixed peltate glands in Humulus lupulus L. showed secretions with different densities, light, gray and dark, in the cytoplasm of disc cells and in the periplasmic space adjacent to the developing secretory cavity. Secretions were detected in the disc cell wall and subsequently in the developing secretory cavity under the subcuticular wall of the sheath. Light and gray secretions in the cavity possessed a membrane-like surface feature. Secretions were in contact with the irregular inner surface of the cuticle. Secretions contributed to the thickening of the cuticle, whereas the membrane-like surface feature contributed to a network of Cannabis striae distributed throughout the cuticle. This study supports an early development and organization of the secretory cavity in H. lupulus, parallel to those in Cannabis, and may represent common features for lipophilic glands in angiosperms.     

The role of alcohols in pheromone biosynthesis by two noctuid moths that use acetate pheromone components

Primary alcohols varying in chain length from C₁₃ to C₁₆, and in number, position, and geometric configuration of double bonds, were applied in dimethyl sulfoxide to the surface of the female sex pheromone glands of Heliothis subflexa (Gn.) and Hydraecia micacea (Esper). Capillary gas chromatographic analysis of extracts of the treated glands indicated that the alcohols were converted to the corresponding aldehydes by H. subflexa females and to the acetates by H. micacea females. Conversions of the alcohols showed no preferences for molecular weight, number, position, or geometry of the double bonds in either species. Application of the acetates of the primary alcohols to the gland surface of H. subflexa females resulted in the production of both the corresponding alcohols and aldehydes, while neither alcohols nor aldheydes were produced when acetates were applied to the glands of H. micacea. In addition, application of the acetates to the gland surface of Heliothis virescens (F.) resulted in the production of both the corresponding alcohols and aldehydes. However, no evidence was found to indicate that acetates are ever produced by the pheromone gland of females of H. virescens.     

A cytochemical study of the leaf-gland enzymes of insectivorous plants of the genus Pinguicula

Summary Cytochemical methods have been used to study the distribution of acid phosphatase, esterase, ribonuclease, amylase and protease activity in the stimulated and unstimulated leaf glands of Pinguicula grandiflora, P. vulgaris, P. lusitanica, and P. caudata. Two gland types are present, stalked and sessile. The stalked glands bear a muco-polysaccharide secretion droplet, and are concerned with capture of the prey; the sessile glands are specialised for digestion. In unstimulated glands of both classes, acid phosphatase, esterase and ribonuclease activity is associated with the anticlinal walls of the head cells, which have a characteristic spongy inner surface, comparable with that of transfer cells. Acid phosphatase and esterase activity was also detected in the vacuoles of the head cells of the sessile glands. Substrate film tests showed that amylase is readily released from the stalked glands but not from the sessile ones, while in contrast proteolytic activity is mainly associated with the sessile glands.On stimulation by suitable nitrogenous materials, the glands begin to sectete fluid onto the leaf surface within 1 hr. During the process the enzymes held in the spongy walls are discharged, and activity is also lost from the intracellular sites in the sessile glands.Digestion on the leaf surface and resorption of the products has been followed autoradiographically after feeding of ¹⁴C-labelled protein. Within 2 hr, digestion products enter the leaf, and move towards the margin in the vascular system. Movement out of the leaf begins within 12 hr. Microautoradiographs showed a concentration of products around the bases of the sessile glands and in the cells of the gland head, showing that these glands are involved in resorption as well as secretion.A possible mechanism of gland function is discussed.     

MORPHOLOGY OF GLANDULAR HAIRS OF CANNABIS SATIVA FROM SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Three distinct types of glandular hairs of increasing morphological complexity which occur on flowering tops of Cannabis sativa L. (marihuana) are described from scanning electron microscopy. These gland types—termed bulbous, capitate-sessile, and capitate-stalked, described from pistillate plants—occur in greatest abundance on the outer surface of bracts ensheathing the ovary. Bulbous and capitate-sessile glands, which arise at an early stage in bract development, are scattered over the bract surface. Mature bulbous glands have a small swollen head on a short stalk, whereas capitate-sessile glands have a large globular head attached directly to the bract surface. Because of their numbers and large size, capitate-sessile glands are the most conspicuous gland type during the early phase of bract development. Capitate-stalked glands, which have a large globular head on a tall, multicellular stalk, differentiate during subsequent bract development. These stalked glands arise first along the bracteal veins and then over the entire bract surface. A voluminous, fluid secretory product accumulates in the glandular head of all three types. These glands are believed to be a primary site of localization of the marihuana hallucinogen, tetrahydrocannabinol.     

Morphological changes in the cephalic salivary glands of females and males of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scaptotrigona postica</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera,Apidae)

The cephalic salivary glands of some species of bees are exclusive and well developed only in Apinae. These glands were studied with light and scanning electron microscopy in workers, queens and males from the honey bee Apis mellifera, and the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica in different life phases. The results show that the cephalic salivary glands are present in females of both the species, and in males of S. postica. Nevertheless, they are poorly developed in young males of A. mellifera. In both species, gland growth is progressive from the time of emergence to the oldest age but, in A. mellifera males, the gland degenerates with age. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the secretory units of newly emerged workers are collapsed while in older workers they are turgid. Some pits on the surface of the secretory units correspond to open intercellular spaces. The possible functions of these glands in females and males of both species are discussed.     

Comparative anatomy and phylogeny of the cloacae of salamanders (Amphibia: Caudata). II. Cryptobranchidae,Hynobiidae, and Sirenidae

Cloacae were examined from salamanders representing the three families in which fertilization of eggs is known or inferred to occur externally. The cloacae of male and female sirenids are aglandular and lack cilia. Sexual dimorphism in sirenid cloacae occurs only in the extent of epithelial stratification in the cloacal chamber in females (entire chamber) versus males (posterior angle of the vent). Both male and female Cryptobranchus alleganiensis possess ventral glands that secrete an acid mucopolysaccharide and have ciliated cloacal linings. The ventral glands are more numerous and hypertrophied in breeding male than female C. alleganiensis, but in males, ventral glands secrete only onto the surface of the cloacal lips along the anterior three-fifths of the cloacal orifice, whereas in females, the glands secrete onto the border of the entire cloacal orifice. Except for male Onychodactylus japonicus, male and female hynobiids also possess only ventral glands and have ciliated cloacal linings. Hynobiid ventral glands secrete a glycoprotein. Much variation occurs, however, among these hynobiids in cloacal conformation, extent of epidermis into the cloaca, and anatomy of the ventral gland. Male O. japonicus possess an unciliated cloaca in which three types of cloacal glands occur, each giving unique reactions to tests for carbohydrates and proteins. The glands in male O. japonicus do not seem to be homologous to those found in spermatophore producing salamanders in the Salamandroidea, but this does not negate the possibility that O. japonicus makes spermatophores. Examination of cloacal characters in additional species of hynobiids may be useful in resolving intrafamilial phylogenetic relationships.     

Serous gland dimorphism in the skin of Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae)

Two serous gland types (I and II) in the skin of the Argentine toad Melanophryniscus stelzneri were discovered using light and electron microscopy. Glands of the two types differ in several traits: features of the products (both mature and immature), organelles involved in biosynthesis, and paths of serous maturation. No consistent differences, however, were detected between the myoepithelial sheaths encircling the secretory units. Type I glands manufacture vesicles containing a single dense body with a repeating substructure and conform to the fundamental secretory line of bufonid skin, a secretory line involved in biosynthesis of steroids. Type II glands synthesize granules of varying densities and seem to belong to a line of glands that secrete proteinaceous products. The occurrence of the two serous gland types in Melanophryniscus stelzneri is discussed in a comparison with current literature on the morphofunctional characteristics of anuran poison glands, which perform both regulative and defensive roles. It is suggested that di- or polymorphism in serous glands is an adaptive trait that allows differential release of active molecules on the body surface. J. Morphol. 237:19–32, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Testicular and androgen dependence of skin gland morphology in the anurans,Xenopus laevis and Rana pipiens

In anuran amphibians, there is increasing evidence that exocrine glands dispersed throughout the general integument are secondary sex characters (SSC). Following the recent discovery of sexually dimorphic “breeding glands” in the dorsum of male Rana pipiens, we studied the effects of castration and testosterone treatment on the dorsal skin glands of male Xenopus laevis and R. pipiens to determine whether the dorsal breeding glands, or any other dorsal skin glands, are androgen dependent. The dorsal skin glands of X. laevis were unaffected by androgen status. By contrast, in R. pipiens, breeding, mucous, and seromucous glands responded to testosterone stimulation. Mucous glands were significantly (P < 0.05) larger in testosterone-treated frogs than in castrates. There was a large, but statistically insignificant, increase in the size of the dorsal breeding glands. Testosterone treatment also increased the epithelial cell height of breeding and seromucous glands (P < 0.05). In the skins of castrated and testosterone-treated frogs, there was a reciprocal relationship between the abundance of seromucous and breeding glands: in castrates, seromucous glands were abundant and breeding glands virtually absent, whereas in testosterone-treated frogs, breeding glands were abundant and seromucous glands less common. The total number of the two gland types was similar in both treatment groups. Glands that appeared to be intermediate in form between seromucous and breeding glands were observed in some frogs. These data suggest that seromucous glands may be the regressed form of breeding glands in the dorsal skin of R. pipiens and that the dorsal skin of R. pipiens is a SSC. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Comparative ultrastructure of coxal glands in unfed larvae of Leptotrombidium orientale (Schluger, 1948) (Trombiculidae) and Hydryphantes ruber (de Geer, 1778) (Hydryphantidae)

Coxal glands of unfed larvae Leptotrombidium orientale (Schluger, 1948) (Trombiculidae), a terrestrial mite parasitizing vertebrates, and Hydryphantes ruber (de Geer, 1778) (Hydryphantidae), a water mite parasitizing insects were studied using transmission electron microscopy. In both species, the coxal glands are represented by a paired tubular organ extending on the sides of the brain from the mouthparts to the frontal midgut wall and are formed of the cells arranged around the central lumen. As in other Parasitengona, the coxal glands are devoid of a proximal sacculus. The excretory duct, joining with ducts of the prosomal salivary glands constitutes the common podocephalic duct, opening into the subcheliceral space. The coxal glands of L. orientale are composed of a distal tubule with a basal labyrinth, an intermediate segment without labyrinth, and a proximal tubule bearing tight microvilli on the apical cell surface and coiled around the intermediate segment. The coxal glands of H. ruber mainly consist of the uniformly organized proximal tubule with apical microvilli of the cells lacking the basal labyrinth. This tubule shows several loops running backward and forward in a vertical plane on the side of the brain. In contrast to L. orientale , larvae of H. ruber reveal a terminal cuticular sac/bladder for accumulation of secreted fluids. Organization of the coxal glands depends on the ecological conditions of mites. Larvae of terrestrial L. orientale possess distal tubule functioning in re‐absorption of ions and water. Conversely, water mite larvae H. ruber need to evacuate of the water excess, so the filtrating proximal tubule is prominent.     

Arenophilic mantle glands in the Laternulidae (Bivalvia: Anomalodesmata) and their evolutionary significance

The mantle margins of several anomalodesmatans bear multicellular arenophilic glands, the mucoid secretions of which attach sand grains and other foreign particles to the outer surface of the periostracum. These glands have been recorded for many of the anomalodesmatan families and are used as a key morphological character in recent attempts to unravel the evolutionary relationships within the Anomalodesmata. The glands occur in Laternula elliptica, L. truncata, L. boschasina and L. marilina, discharging from the top of muscular papillae at the distal tip of the siphons. The secretions are laid down as threads organized in longitudinal lines along the length of the periostracum that covers the siphonal walls. This is the first record of arenophilic mantle glands in members of the Laternulidae, a finding that not only broadens our current knowledge of the family's morphology, but assists in the reconstruction of anomalodesmatan evolutionary history.     

Preliminary development of a polymerase chain reaction assay forAnaplasma marginale in ticks

Summary Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied for detection ofAnaplasma marginale in tissues of maleDermacentor andersoni. Primer sequences were derived from the gene for the MSP1β surface protein ofA. marginale (Florida isolate). Optimum PCR conditions were used to detectA. marginale in individual bisected ticks and salivary glands; associated control tissues were negative.     

Differential polymorphism in cutaneous glands of archaic Leiopelma species

Endemic New Zealand frogs of the genus Leiopelma are from a basal lineage of extant anurans that release defensive secretions onto their skin when disturbed. Here, we characterize the gross anatomy and microscopic structure of the skin of L. archeyi, L. hochstetteri, and L. pakeka using stereoscopic, light and transmission electron microscopy. The terrestrial L. archeyi and L. pakeka possess dimorphic granular glands, categorized as type I and II, based on their frequency and morphological traits, whereas the semi‐aquatic L. hochstetteri lacks type I glands. This is the first report of differential dimorphism in anurans of the same genus. This dimorphism could be interpreted as an adaptation to different physiological or ecological needs of these species. However, species within this ancient genus share similar general gland morphology with other anurans, namely, a secretory unit containing storage granules ensheathed by myoepithelial cells. Type I glands are ellipsoid, large and contain a homogeneous mass of electron‐dense granules (1.8 ± 0.08 μm in diameter). Type II glands are round and contain larger heterogeneous granules (4.06 ± 0.16 μm) of varying densities. Exposure to noradrenaline causes the contraction of myoepithelial cells, resulting in bulk discharge of type I glands through the epidermal duct onto the skin surface. Differential release of secretions from dimorphic glands may be indicative of their functional specialisation in antipredatory or regulative roles. Mass spectrometric techniques were used to de novo sequence peptides present in the skin secretions of Leiopelma species. A total of 30 previously undescribed peptides from Leiopelma species were fully or partially sequenced. These peptides exhibited no similarity to any known compounds. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The ventral skin glands, new additional cloacal glands in Proteus anguinus (Caudata, Proteidae). II. Male

Guillaume, O. 2000. The ventral skin glands, new additional cloacal glands in Proteus anguinus (Caudata, Proteidae). II. Male. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81 : 223–234 Cloacae from male Proteus anguinus were examined for the first time by light and electron microscopy. Male P. anguinus possess anterior and posterior ventral glands, dorsal and lateral pelvic glands, vent glands and Kingsbury’s glands as do Necturus males. However, male P. anguinus also possess the new additional cloacal glands found in females and which the author has called the ventral skin glands. Furthermore, the number, the length and the diameter of these tubular glands are higher in males. Therefore the inference is that these glands are sexually dimorphic glands.     

Ultrastructural identification of the antennal gland complement in Siagona europaea Dejean 1826, a myrmecophagous carabid beetle

We examined antennal exocrine glands in adults of a myrmecophagous carabid beetle, Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae), by light and electron microscopy and we identified two types of integumentary glands. The first type includes glands formed by three cells (a secretory cell, an intercalary cell and a duct cell) known as class 3 of Noirot and Quennedey (1991). The secretory cell has several large multivesicular electron‐lucent bodies, indicating a glycoprotein product associated with lipids. We hypothesize that this secretion protects the surface of antennae and sensilla from wear. The second group of glands includes unicellular glands known as oenocytes (class 2 of Noirot and Quennedey, 1991), which secrete epicuticular hydrocarbons through epidermal cells.     

Histology of mental and caudal courtship glands in three genera of plethodontid salamanders (Amphibia: Plethodontidae)

Salamanders in the family Plethodontidae exhibit a unique tail‐straddle walk during courtship that can include the use of sexually dimorphic mental and caudal courtship glands. This study presents novel histological and fine structure data on mental glands and caudal courtship glands in Plethodon mississippi, Desmognathus conanti and Eurycea quadridigitata using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study represents the first use of scanning electron microscopy to observe these glands. Both mental and caudal courtship glands were observed to vary seasonally in gland diameter and histology according to the breeding season of each species. Morphological variation was observed across the three species studied in both clustering and relative size of the glands compared to neighbouring mucous and granular glands. Hypertrophied mental glands are larger than mucous or granular glands in all species, but relationships among caudal courtship glands and other skin glands vary among species. In E. quadridigitata, active caudal courtship glands are larger than mucous and granular glands, but in D. conanti, caudal courtship glands are similar in size to granular glands and larger than mucous glands. In P. mississippi, caudal courtship glands are scattered among significantly larger granular glands and are similar in size to mucous glands.     

Nutlet sculpturing of selectedTeucrium species (Lamiaceae): A character of taxonomic significance

Nutlet sculpturing of 23Teucrium species belonging to six sections was studied. The nutlets of analysed species were characterized by the presence of the oil glands of various density. SectionTeucrium is well defined by very densely distributed trichomes and oil glands on nutlets. Trichomes on nutlets were absent in all other species, except inT. marum from sect.Chamaedrys. Sect.Polium is a homogeneous group, distinguished from the other sections. There are some similarities of this sect. with sect.Scordium. Species of sect.Chamaedrys are heterogeneous and overlap according to the surface sculpturing characters with the other sections. The significance of nutlet microcharacters as additional taxonomical markers in the infrageneric classification of the genusTeucrium is discussed.