scholarly journals Functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths of the cyclophyllidean cestode Thysanotaenia congolensis: a phylogenetic implication of obtained results

Parasitology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZDZISŁAW ŚWIDERSKI ◽  
JORDI MIQUEL ◽  
DAVID BRUCE CONN

SUMMARYThe functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths from gravid proglottids of Thysanotaenia congolensis, from black rats from Cape Verde, were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Mature eggs with fully formed hexacanths are grouped within parenchymatous capsules of gravid proglottids. Oncospheral envelopes surrounding mature hexacanths are reduced to a very thin membranous embryophore as their protective function is taken over by the parenchymatous capsules originating from the medullary parenchyma of immature proglottids and composed of three layers. Six major cell types are present: a bi-nucleate medullary centre; a six-nucleate U-shaped penetration gland; a second type of penetration gland; two neurosecretory-type nerve cells; about 30 somatic cells; and about 12 germinative cells. Present results on the functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths support the phylogenetic distinction between T. congolensis and cestodes of the subfamily Anoplocephalinae.

Author(s):  
Juan Mora-Galindo ◽  
Jorge Arauz-Contreras

The zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide (ZIO) technique is presently employed to study both, neural and non neural tissues. Precipitates depends on cell types and possibly cell metabol ism as well.Guinea pig cecal mucosa, already known to be composed of epithelium with cells at different maturation stages and lamina propria which i s formed by morphologically and functionally heterogeneous cell population, was studied to determine the pat tern of ZIO impregnation. For this, adult Guinea pg cecal mucosa was fixed with buffered 1.2 5% g 1 utara 1 dehyde before incubation with ZIO for 16 hours, a t 4°C in the dark. Further steps involved a quick sample dehydration in graded ethanols, embedding in Epon 812 and sectioning to observe the unstained material under a phase contrast light microscope (LM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM).


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 640
Author(s):  
Natalia R. Moyetta ◽  
Fabián O. Ramos ◽  
Jimena Leyria ◽  
Lilián E. Canavoso ◽  
Leonardo L. Fruttero

Hemocytes, the cells present in the hemolymph of insects and other invertebrates, perform several physiological functions, including innate immunity. The current classification of hemocyte types is based mostly on morphological features; however, divergences have emerged among specialists in triatomines, the insect vectors of Chagas’ disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Here, we have combined technical approaches in order to characterize the hemocytes from fifth instar nymphs of the triatomine Dipetalogaster maxima. Moreover, in this work we describe, for the first time, the ultrastructural features of D. maxima hemocytes. Using phase contrast microscopy of fresh preparations, five hemocyte populations were identified and further characterized by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. The plasmatocytes and the granulocytes were the most abundant cell types, although prohemocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytes were also found. This work sheds light on a controversial aspect of triatomine cell biology and physiology setting the basis for future in-depth studies directed to address hemocyte classification using non-microscopy-based markers.


1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 2203-2212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon M. Holy ◽  
Darwin D. Wittrock

The female reproductive organs (ovary, vitellaria, and Mehlis' gland) of the digenetic trematode Halipegus eccentricus were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Oocytes entered diplotene while in the ovary and produced cortical granules and lipid bodies. Vitelline cells produced large amounts of eggshell protein but no yolk bodies. Two types of Mehlis' gland secretory cells were present, distinguishable by the morphology of their rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, and secretory bodies, and by the persistence of recognizable secretory material within the ootype lumen after exocytosis. In an attempt to standardize the nomenclature regarding the cell types of the Mehlis' gland, a classification that takes into account these four criteria is proposed. Two basic types of Golgi body organization were noted for the cells of the female reproductive system: a stack of flattened cisternae (Mehlis' gland alpha cells) and spherical Golgi bodies with vesicular cisternae (oocytes, vitelline cells, and Mehlis' gland beta cells).


Genome ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-385
Author(s):  
Klaus Werner Wolf

Kinetochore structure was examined in a total of 6 species from 5 different families of the Coleoptera using transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin serial sections. Metaphase spermatogonia and primary and secondary spermatocytes were studied in Tenebrio molitor (Tenebrionidae) to determine whether kinetochore structure varies depending on the cell type. In all three cell types, the kinetochore microtubules (MTs) were in direct contact with the chromosomal surface, and kinetochore plates were not detectable. In the other species, only metaphase I spermatocytes were examined. As in T. molitor, distinct kinetochore plates were also absent in Adelocera murina (Elateridae), Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Cerambycidae), and Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinellidae). However, bivalents in male meiosis of two representatives of the Chrysomelidae, Agelastica alni and Chrysolina graminis, showed roughly spherical kinetochores at their poleward surfaces. Microtubules were in contact with this material. Thus, although the present survey covers only a small number of species, it is clear that at least two kinetochore types occur in the Coleoptera. The cytological findings are discussed in the context of chromosome number and genome size variability in the Coleopteran families studied. It is suggested that properties of the kinetochores could play a role in karyotype evolution in the Coleoptera.Key words: bivalent, microtubule, meiosis, metaphase, spermatocyte.


1983 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 351-364
Author(s):  
D.A. Mesland ◽  
H. Spiele

Substrate-attached critical-point-dried cells cleave along the level of the substrate-adherent membrane if removed by means of adhesive tape. The remaining membrane fragments on grids can be visualized three-dimensionally by means of stereo transmission electron microscopy. Attachment of cells may be achieved by active spreading of the cell, or artificially by poly-L-lysine adherence of prefixed cells. In 11 different cell types a filamentous network appears to remain associated with the cytoplasmic face of the membrane. In one hepatoma cell type virtually no filamentous network could be detected. Two general network morphologies are described: the hepatocytic network and the lymphoid network. Since no correspondence could be found between cytoplasmic structure and the structure of the membrane-associated network, and since cells generally cleave along the level of this network, excluding cell organelles, we conclude that it comprises a distinct structural system, analogous to the membrane skeleton of the red cell membrane.


IAWA Journal ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Čufar ◽  
Jožica Gričar ◽  
Martin Zupančič ◽  
Gerald Koch ◽  
Uwe Schmitt

Evaluating the state of deterioration of water-logged archaeological wood is necessary in order to select treatments for its conservation and storage, particularly in the case of valuable archaeological artefacts. For this purpose archaeological wood of ash (Fraxinus sp.) and oak (Quercus sp.) buried in water-logged conditions at prehistoric settlements on the Ljubljansko barje (Ljubljana moor), Slovenia, aged approx. 5,200 and 4,500 years, was investigated by means of light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cellular UV-microspectrophotometry (UMSP). LM and TEM revealed that the ash wood aged 5,200 years was the least preserved. The secondary walls of fibres, vessels and parenchyma cells were considerably thinner than in normal wood, indicating distinct degradation. TEM and UMSP additionally revealed strong delignification of the remaining parts of the secondary walls of all cell types. The compound middle lamellae appeared structurally intact, but had lower UV-absorbance than normal wood of the same species. The cell corners were topochemically unchanged, as shown by high analogue UV-absorbance. The UV-absorbance maxima at a wavelength of 278 nm corresponded to those of hardwood lignins. The oak heartwood was generally better preserved than the ash wood. Within each species, the 4,500- year-old samples generally appeared better preserved than those 5,200 years old.


2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdzisław Świderski ◽  
Jordi Miquel ◽  
Samira Azzouz-Maache ◽  
Anne-Françoise Pétavy

AbstractFertilization in the taeniid cestode Echinococcus multilocularis with uniflagellate spermatozoa was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fertilization in this species occurs in the oviduct lumen or in the fertilization canal proximal to the ootype, where the formation of the embryonic capsule precludes sperm contact with the oocytes. Cortical granules are not present in the cytoplasm of the oocytes of this species, however, several large bodies containing granular material where frequently observed. Spermatozoa coil spirally around the oocytes and syngamy occurs by lateral fusion of oocyte and sperm plasma membranes. In the ootype, one vitellocyte associates with fertilized oocyte, forming a membranous capsule which encloses both cell types. In this stage, the spirally coiled sperm body adheres partly to the external oocyte surface, and partially enters into the perinuclear cytoplasm. The electron-dense sperm nucleus becomes progressively electron-lucent within the oocyte cytoplasm after penetration. Simultaneously with chromatin decondensation, the elongated sperm pronucleus changes shape, forming a spherical male pronucleus, which attains the size of the female pronucleus. Cleavage begins immediately after pronuclear fusion.


Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Henn ◽  
Annette Venter ◽  
Christo Botha

Consumption of bufadienolide-containing plants are responsible for many livestock mortalities annually. Bufadienolides are divided into two groups; non-cumulative bufadienolides and cumulative bufadienolides. Cumulative bufadienolides are referred to as neurotoxic, as the chronic intoxication with this type of bufadienolide results in a paretic/paralytic syndrome known as ‘krimpsiekte’. The in vitro cytotoxicity of a non-cumulative bufadienolide, 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine, and a cumulative bufadienolide, lanceotoxin B, were compared using the MTT ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction) assay after exposing rat myocardial (H9c2) and mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cell lines. The effect of these two bufadienolides on cell ultrastructure was also investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). H9c2 cells exhibited greater cytotoxicity when exposed to 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine, compared to lanceotoxin B. In contrast, Neuro-2a cells were more susceptible to lanceotoxin B. The EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) of lanceotoxin B exposure of Neuro-2a cells for 24–72 h ranged from 4.4–5.5 µM compared to EC50s of 35.7–37.6 µM for 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine exposure of Neuro-2a cells over the same period. 1α,2α-Epoxyscillirosidine induced extensive vacuolization in both cell types, with swollen RER (rough endoplasmic reticulum) and perinuclear spaces. Lanceotoxin B caused swelling of the mitochondria and sequestration of cytoplasmic material within autophagic vesicles. These results corroborate the notion that cumulative bufadienolides are neurotoxic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Welcker ◽  
Cornelia Stein ◽  
Natalia Martins Feitosa ◽  
Joy Armistead ◽  
Jin-Li Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractThe extracellular matrix architecture is composed of supramolecular fibrillar networks that define tissue specific cellular microenvironments. Hemicentins (Hmcn1 and Hmcn2) are ancient and very large members (> 600 kDa) of the fibulin family, whose short members are known to guide proper morphology and functional behavior of specialized cell types predominantly in elastic tissues. However, the tissue distribution and function of Hemicentins within the cellular microenvironment of connective tissues has remained largely unknown. Performing in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence analyses, we found that mouse Hmcn1 and Hmcn2 show a complementary distribution throughout different tissues and developmental stages. In postnatal dermal–epidermal junctions (DEJ) and myotendinous junctions (MTJ), Hmcn1 is primarily produced by mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, tenocytes), Hmcn2 by cells of epithelial origin (keratinocytes, myocytes). Hmcn1−/− mice are viable and show no overt phenotypes in tissue tensile strength and locomotion tests. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural basement membrane (BM) alterations at the DEJ and MTJ of Hmcn1−/− mice, pointing to a thus far unknown role of Hmcn1 for BM and connective tissue boundary integrity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiwei Guo ◽  
Haijin Yi ◽  
Zhang Yan ◽  
Lili Ren ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological and functional development of the lateral wall of the scala media of the cochlea in miniature pigs; light and transmission electron microscopy and electrophysiology were used for this purpose. We showed that the lateral wall of the scala media of the cochlea appears at embryonic Day 21 (E21) when the cochlear duct begins to form. From E28 to E49, the lateral wall can be distinguished according to its position along the cochlea. At E56, cells in the lateral wall begin to differentiate into three different types. At E70, three cell types, marginal, intermediate and basal, can be clearly distinguished. At E91, the stria vascularis is adult-like and the organ of Corti is also morphologically mature. The average endocochlear potential measured from the second turn of the cochlea (at E98, postnatal Day 1 (P1), P13 and P30) was 71.4 ± 2.5 (n = 7), 78.8 ± 1.5 (n = 10), 77.3 ± 2.3 (n = 10) and 78.0 ± 2.1 mV (n = 10), respectively. Our results suggest that in miniature pigs the stria vascularis develops during the embryonic period, concurrent with maturation of the organ of Corti. The magnitude of the endocochlear potential reached its mature level when the stria vascularis was morphologically adult-like at E98. These findings provide a morphological and functional basis for future animal studies using the miniature pig model concerning the pathogenesis of various inner-ear diseases.


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