Hymenolepis nana: the fine structure of the ‘penetration gland’ and nerve cells within the oncosphere

Parasitology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Fairweather ◽  
L. T. Threadgold
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Polar Filament ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Epithelial Layer ◽  
Hymenolepis Nana ◽  
Penetration Gland

SUMMARYThe fine structure of the oncosphere of Hymenolepis nana has been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, together with light microscope observations of JB–4 embedded material. The outer surface of the oncosphere is covered by an epithelial layer, termed the embryonic epithelium. Cell types present within the oncosphere include the penetration gland cell, oncoblast, or hook-forming cells, nerve cells, muscle cells (both somatic and hook), and undifferentiated ‘stem’ cells. The penetration gland is a large, U-shaped structure, situated in the anterior region of the oncosphere, and filled with secretory granules of 2 distinct morphological types. Histochemically, the secretory material yields reactions characteristic of an acid mucopolysaccharide. A proteinaceous-substance and small amounts of glycogen are also present. Up to 4 pairs of ducts from the penetration gland have been observed. They pass through the basal lamina and the epithelial layer to open against the polar filament layer at the anterior end of the oncosphere. Nerve cells are described in a cestode oncosphere for the first time. The cells are paraldehyde-fuchsin-positive and show a high level of secretory activity, as evidenced by the large numbers of dense-cored vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus in the perikarya; consequently, they are tentatively regarded as possible neurosecretory cells. The vesicles are transported down the axon to be stored in specialized swollen axon terminals, which form definite junctions with the muscle cells.

The fine structure of the cecal epithelium of Megalodiscus temperatus

1973 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald P. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Basal Lamina ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Basal Region ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Thorium Dioxide ◽  
Homogeneous Matrix ◽  
Mononucleate Cell

The cecal epithelium of Megalodiscus temperatus (Stafford 1905) contains two cell types. Although the major component of the epithelium is a syncytium there are also isolated, small, mononucleate cells located in the basal region. The mononucleate cells are always in contact with the underlying basal lamina and show no signs of secretory activity. The lumenal surface is extended in the form of numerous long, closely packed, cylindrical microvilli with tapering tips. Each microvillus may be up to 25 μ long and possesses a central fibrillar core. The cytoplasm of the cecal syncytium contains numerous Golgi complexes which produce membrane-delimited granules containing a dense, homogeneous matrix. These granules appear to be releasing their contents either at the lumenal surface or immediately beneath it. The base of the cecal syncytium but not that of the mononucleate cell type is penetrated by numerous projections of underlying muscle cells. No evidence of endocytotic activity by the cecum can be detected by incubation in thorium dioxide.

Differentiation of Neurosensory Cells in Hydra

1969 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 699-726
Author(s):  
LOWELL E. DAVIS
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Basal Body ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Granular Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Structural Variations ◽  
Intercellular Bridges ◽  
Undifferentiated Cells

The differentiation of neurosensory cells in Hydra has been studied at the level of the electron microscope. These cells arise from interstitial cells (undifferentiated cells) and not from pre-existing nerve cells. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that neurosensory cells represent a stage in the development of other nerve cells, i.e. ganglionic and neurosecretory cells. Major cytoplasmic changes in fine structure during differentiation include development of a cilium and associated structures (basal body, basal plate, rootlets), development of microtubules and at least two neurites, increase in Golgi lamellae and formation of dense droplets typical of neurosecretory droplets, structural variations in mitochondria and a decrease in the number of ribosomes. Granular endoplasmic reticulum is characteristically poorly developed in all stages of differentiation, including the mature neurosensory cell. Nuclear and nucleolar changes also occur during differentiation but these are less dramatic than the cytoplasmic events. The possibility of neurosensory cells being bi- or multiciliated and the presence of intercellular bridges between these cells are considered. The function of neurosensory cells is discussed briefly in relation to the function of the cilium and neurosecretory droplets.

Hymenolepis nana: the fine structure of the embryonic envelopes

Parasitology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Fairweather ◽  
L. T. Threadgold
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Polar Filament ◽  
Basal Region ◽  
Shell Formation ◽  
Shell Material ◽  
Outer Envelope ◽  
Hymenolepis Nana ◽  
Additional Layer ◽  
Inner Envelope ◽  
Direct Life Cycle

SUMMARYThe fine structure of the envelopes surrounding hatched and unhatched oncospheres of Hymenolepis nana has been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), together with light microscope histochemical observations of JB-4 embedded material. The oncosphere is surrounded by 3 layers – the capsule, the outer envelope and the inner envelope, the latter giving rise to the embryophore and the ‘oncospheral membrane’. An additional layer – the polar filament layer – lies between the ‘oncospheral membrane’ and the oncosphere. Shell material is deposited on the capsule as a thin layer. It is secreted by the outer envelope, which degenerates once shell formation is complete. The uterus may also contribute to shell formation. The embryophore forms a thin, incomplete and peripheral layer within the inner envelope. In the basal region of this envelope, partial development of an ‘oncospheral membrane’ takes place, but it does not become detached as a separate layer. The polar filaments, which are characteristic of the oncosphere of H. nana, are derived from the epithelial covering of the oncosphere itself, which delaminates to form a separate polar filament layer. The filaments arise from knob-like projections at opposite poles of this layer. The design of the embryonic envelopes in H. nana show a number of modifications from the basic cyclophyllidean pattern, and these can be related to the demands of its ‘direct’ life-cycle.

The digestive tract of actinotroch larvae (Lophotrochozoa, Phoronida): anatomy, ultrastructure, innervations, and some observations of metamorphosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (12) ◽  
pp. 1149-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena N. Temereva
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Basal Lamina ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Proximal Part ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Fine Structure And Function ◽  
Phoronopsis Harmeri ◽  
And Function

The digestive tract of actinotroch consists of the vestibulum, oesophagus, stomach with stomach diverticulum, midgut, and proctodaeum. Monociliate muscle cells resting on the basal lamina of the oesophagus form its circular musculature. The epithelium of the cardiac sphincter contains axonal tracts and neurosecretory cells. Glandular, secretory, and digestive cells form the epithelium of the stomach and stomach diverticulum. The epithelium of the midgut is biciliate. The proctodaeum is divided into two parts, differing in fine structure and function. Individual serotonian and FMRFamide neurons and fibers occur in the oesophagus, cardiac sphincter, and midgut, as well as surrounding the anus. In larvae of Phoronopsis harmeri Pixell, 1912 during metamorphosis, the larval oesophagus gives rise to the juvenile oesohagus, the upper portion of the stomach stretches and transforms into prestomach, the stomach diverticulum moves into the stomach and then is digested, the larval stomach becomes the juvenile stomach, the midgut gives rise to the pyloric region, and the proctodaeum transforms into the ascending branch of the juvenile digestive tract. The data do not support the views that the proximal part of adult digestive tract forms from the ectodermal epithelium of the dorsal and ventral epidermis of the larva or that the telotroch enters the intestine during metamorphosis.

Neuropeptides in platyhelminths

Parasitology ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 102 (S1) ◽  
pp. S77-S92 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Fairweather ◽  
D. W. Halton
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Condition ◽  
Neurosecretory Cell ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Endocrine Glands ◽  
Specific Staining ◽  
Neurosecretory Neurons ◽  
Prime Function

The neuropeptide story began in 1928 with the description by Ernst Scharrer of gland-like nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the minnow, Phoxinus laevis. Because these nerve cells were overwhelmingly specialized for secretory activity, overshadowing other neuronal properties, Scharrer termed them ‘neurosecretory neurons’. What was even more remarkable about the cells was that their products were released into the bloodstream to act as hormones, specifically neurohormones. Neurosecretory cells were identified largely on morphological grounds. That is, they could be stained with special techniques, such as chrome-haematoxylin and paraldehyde-fuchsin, although the techniques are far from specific, staining non-neurosecretory cells as well. However, the basis for the ‘special’ neurosecretory techniques is the demonstration of sulphur-containing proteins – so they are indicative of peptide-producing neurones. An alternative characteristic of neurosecretory cells is the presence of large (> 100 nm), dense-cored vesicles at the electron microscope level; these are the so-called elementary granules of neurosecretion, or ENGs. However, implicit in the concept of neurosecretion is that the prime function of the neurosecretory cell is in endocrine regulation, exerting a hormone-like control over some aspect of the organism's metabolism, by controlling endocrine glands and other effector organs. To satisfy this criterion, evidence had to be obtained of cycles of secretory activity within the cell that could be correlated with a change in the physiological condition of the organism.

Pituitary Follicular Cells: Their Origin, Possible Function and Fate

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
E. Horvath ◽  
K. Kovacs ◽  
G. Penz ◽  
C. Ezrin
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Follicular Cells ◽  
Human Pituitary ◽  
Rat Pituitary ◽  
Pituitary Glands ◽  
Junctional Complexes

Follicular structures, in the rat pituitary, composed of cells joined by junctional complexes and possessing few organelles and few, if any, secretory granules, were first described by Farquhar in 1957. Cells of the same description have since been observed in several species including man. The importance of these cells, however, remains obscure. While studying human pituitary glands, we have observed wide variations in the fine structure of follicular cells which may lead to a better understanding of their morphogenesis and significance.

The Dermal Glands of Rhodnius Prolixus

1969 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 258-259
Author(s):  
J. E. Lai-Fook
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Rhodnius Prolixus ◽  
Outermost Layer ◽  
Cement Layer ◽  
Dermal Glands

Dermal glands are epidermal derivatives which are reported to secrete either the cement layer, which is the outermost layer of the epicuticle or some component of the moulting fluid which digests the endocuticle. The secretions do not show well-defined staining reactions and therefore they have not been positively identified. This has contributed to another difficulty, namely, that of determining the time of secretory activity. This description of the fine structure of the developing glands in Rhodnius was undertaken to determine the time of activity, with a view to investigating their function.

Ultrastructural Aspects of Golgi Complex Function in Parathyroid Cells of Winter Frogs

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 680-681
Author(s):  
William J. Dougherty
Keyword(s):  
Golgi Complex ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Complex Function ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Secretory Proteins ◽  
Perivascular Spaces ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Ca Ions ◽  
Regulation Of Secretion

The regulation of secretion in exocrine and endocrine cells has long been of interest. Electron microscopic and other studies have demonstrated that secretory proteins synthesized on ribosomes are transported by the rough ER to the Golgi complex where they are concentrated into secretory granules. During active secretion, secretory granules fuse with the cell membrane, liberating and discharging their contents into the perivascular spaces. When secretory activity is suppressed in anterior pituitary cells, undischarged secretory granules may be degraded by lysosomes. In the parathyroid gland, evidence indicates that the level of blood Ca ions regulates both the production and release of parathormone. Thus, when serum Ca is low, synthesis and release of parathormone are both stimulated; when serum Ca is elevated, these processes are inhibited.

The brain structure and neurosecretory cells of noctuid moth Anadevidia peponis: Noctuidae

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 436-437
Author(s):  
M. Sato ◽  
Y. Ogawa ◽  
M. Sasaki ◽  
T. Matsuo
Keyword(s):  
Biological Clock ◽  
Virgin Female ◽  
Basic Structure ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Noctuid Moth ◽  
The Right ◽  
20 Nm ◽  
The Brain

A virgin female of the noctuid moth, a kind of noctuidae that eats cucumis, etc. performs calling at a fixed time of each day, depending on the length of a day. The photoreceptors that induce this calling are located around the neurosecretory cells (NSC) in the central portion of the protocerebrum. Besides, it is considered that the female’s biological clock is located also in the cerebral lobe. In order to elucidate the calling and the function of the biological clock, it is necessary to clarify the basic structure of the brain. The observation results of 12 or 30 day-old noctuid moths showed that their brains are basically composed of an outer and an inner portion-neural lamella (about 2.5 μm) of collagen fibril and perineurium cells. Furthermore, nerve cells surround the cerebral lobes, in which NSCs, mushroom bodies, and central nerve cells, etc. are observed. The NSCs are large-sized (20 to 30 μm dia.) cells, which are located in the pons intercerebralis of the head section and at the rear of the mushroom body (two each on the right and left). Furthermore, the cells were classified into two types: one having many free ribosoms 15 to 20 nm in dia. and the other having granules 150 to 350 nm in dia. (Fig. 1).

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