The opercular gland of the cleaner-wrasse Labroides dimidiatus (Labridae), a light-, electron and scanning electron microscopic investigation |
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Authors: | R. Lenke |
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Affiliation: | Department of Biology, J. W. Coethe-University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 6000 Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
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Abstract: | A histological and ultrastructural examination of the opercular gland of the cleaner-wrasse Labroides dimidiutus has demonstrated that the slimy envelope which covers the animal at night is mainly produced by large mucous goblet cells in a folded epithelium; there is a high number of acidophilic secretory cells. At the ultrastructural level, both cell-types open at the surface of the epidermis. Preliminary experiments with pilocarpine, atropine and the α-blocker propranolol reveal a neural regulation of mucus discharge. Also, the rich vascularization of the gland could indicate a hormonal control e.g. by prolactin. The secretory products of both types of goblet cells are discussed in relation to their possible antibiotic properties. |
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Keywords: | opercular gland ultrastructure neurotransmitters Lubroides dimidiatus |
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