The Fine Structure of the Respiratory Tree in Cucumaria

1964 ◽  
Vol s3-105 (69) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
WILLIAM L. DOYLE ◽  
G. FRANCES McNIELL

The delicate tubules of the respiratory tree consist of 4 layers: a lining epithelium, a thick mucoid layer containing collagenous filaments, a smooth muscle net, and a coelomic epithelium. The free surfaces of both epithelia have well developed plasmodesms. Amoebocytes are present in all layers and the spherules of one type are considered to be precursors of the mucoid substance; another amoebocyte may be a fibroblast. Perpendicularly oriented smooth muscle fibres, as well as those parallel to each other, are linked by desmosomes ensuring synchronous contraction. Secretory activity is evident in distended cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum of certain epithelial cells and in the vacuoles of the lining epithelium.

1960 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Brandes ◽  
Adolfo Portela

The fine structure of the epithelial cells of one component of the prostatic complex of the mouse—the ventral lobe—has been investigated by electron microscopy. This organ is composed of small tubules, lined by tall simple cuboidal epithelium, surrounded by smooth muscle and connective tissue. Electron micrographs of the epithelial cells of the ventral lobe show these to be limited by a cell membrane, which appears as a continuous dense line. The nucleus occupies the basal portion of the cell and the nuclear envelope consists of two membranes. The cytoplasmic matrix is of moderately low density. The endoplasmic reticulum consists of elongated, circular, and oval profiles representing the cavities of this system bounded by rough surfaced membranes. The Golgi apparatus appears localized in a region between the apical border and the nucleus, and is composed of the usual elements found in secretory cells (3, 9). At the base of the cells, a basement membrane is visible in close contact with the outer aspect of the cell membrane. A space of varying width, which seems to be occupied by connective tissue, separates the epithelial cells from the surrounding smooth muscle fibers and the blood vessels. Bodies with the appearance of portions of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, or profiles of the endoplasmic reticulum can be seen in the lumina of the acini and on the bases of these pictures and others of the apical region the mechanism of secretion by these cells is discussed. The fine structural organization of these cells is compared with that of another component of the mouse prostate—the coagulating gland.


2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larisa Poddubnaya ◽  
Céline Levron ◽  
David Gibson

AbstractThe ultrastructure of the uterus proper of the aspidogastrean Aspidogaster limacoides Diesing, 1835 and two digenean species, Phyllodistomum angulatum Linstow, 1907 (Plagiorchiida, Gorgoderidae) and Azygia lucii (Müller, 1776) (Strigeida, Azygiidae), was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The uterine epithelial lining of these species is thin, except for the perinuclear region of the epithelial cells. Septate junctions occur between adjacent epithelial cells within the uterine wall. The luminal surface of the cells is elevated into microlamellae, which project into the uterine lumen and cover the entire epithelial lining. Basally the uterine epithelium is attached to a basal matrix, and its supporting layers of muscle fibres are weak and composed of scattered circular muscles. Despite the marked similarity in the ultrastructural pattern of the aspidogastrean and two digeneans studied, there is some degree of variation in the secretory activity of their uterine epithelium. The high level of vesicular exocytotic activity in the epithelial cytoplasm of A. lucii may be associated with differences in egg emission and the subsequent life cycle involving a non-ciliated, non-swimming and non-free-living miracidium, as opposed to the free-swimming miracidium of P. angulatum. The similar nature of the uterine epithelium in all three species studied represents an ultrastructural marker possibly supporting a close phylogenetic relationship between the Aspidogastrea and the Digenea.


1962 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen C. Enders

Corpora lutea from the period of delayed implantation and from early postimplantation stages of the armadillo, mink, and rat were fixed in buffered osmium tetroxide-sucrose or potassium permanganate. After rapid dehydration, the portions of the corpora lutea were embedded in either methacrylate or epoxy resin. Examination of the lutein cells by electron microscopy revealed the presence, in the better preserved material, of an extensive development of tubular agranular endoplasmic reticulum. Although the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum are the most striking feature of the lutein cells of both stages of the three animals examined, very numerous large mitochondria with cristae that exhibit a variety of forms tending toward villiform, and protrusions and foldings of the lutein cell margins on the pericapillary space are also characteristic of these cells. Certain minor differences in the lutein cells of the species examined are also noted. No indications of conversion of mitochondria into lipid, of accumulation of lipid in the Golgi area, or of the protrusion of lutein cells into spaces between the endothelial cells, as suggested by other authors, were noted in these preparations. Some of the difficulties inherent in the visualization of the secretory activity of cells producing steroid hormones are briefly discussed.


Author(s):  
Tariq M. Murad

The mammary gland proliferates and differentiates into its functional state under the influence of various hormones secreted during pregnancy and lactation. Lipid, protein, and carbohydrates, which are important constituents of milk, are known to be secreted by this gland. These substances are synthesized and secreted by the mammary gland in varying concentrations during the gestation and lactation periods. The Golgi apparatus is known to play an important role in the secretory activity of the cells. It is the site of the formation of glycoprotein on the rough surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. In a previous study we were able to show the formation of two types of proteins formed in the epithelial cells of the mammary ductules of pregnant rats that were secreted into the lumina before parturition. The Golgi apparatus played no part in the formation of these particles.


1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Billen

The morphology and fine structure of the two major sting glands in the primitive Australian bull ant, Myrmecra gulosa, are described. The cells of the glandular epithelium of the tubiform Dufour's gland are characterised by a well developed vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous lamellar inclusions, and microvillar differentiations of the apical cell membrane. The cells of the secretory filaments of the venom gland contain a very extensive granular endoplasmic reticulum and numerous Golgi vesicles. The highly proteinaceous secretion reaches the filament lumen through the intracellular end apparatus. Passage through the convoluted gland probably accompanies the modification or production of additional secretory components, as is suggested by the ultrastructural organisation of the convoluted gland cells. The large venom gland reservoir is lined with squamous epithelial cells and a thick cuticular layer, that protects the ant from self-toxication by the powerful venom. Each sting gland opens separately through the sting, and possesses its own muscular control mechanism that allows independent discharge of secretion.


Author(s):  
Odell T. Minick ◽  
Hidejiro Yokoo ◽  
Fawzia Batti

Biliary epithelial cells have previously been shown to be a site of alcoholic hyalin (AH) deposition. To learn more of the nature and pathogenesis of this inclusion, the fine structure of proliferating biliary ductules was studied in 20 patients with alcoholic liver disease. The changes were compared with those observed in hepatocytes containing alcoholic hyalin.The ductular cells often displayed dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, prominent Golgi complexes, and an increase in lysosomes. Mitochondria were larger, more numerous and contained more cristae than those usually seen in ductules (Fig. 1). Double nuclei were common. Dense, compact cells, probably degenerative in nature, were often noted.


1. The process of healing in the rabbit ear chamber has been investigated in detail by correlating light microscopy, mainly in vivo , and electron microscopy. 2. During healing new vessels are formed from existing vessels by a process of sprouting and anastomosis, with subsequent remodelling of the loops so formed. 3. The fundamental process in the formation of vessels by sprouting is the mitotic division of existing endothelium, during which it retains its characteristic properties. 4. Blood vessel sprouts are composed of strands of tightly apposed cells formed in continuity with the walls of existing vessels. The subsequent canalization of such strands takes place extra-cellularly by a series of events largely as described by Billroth (1856). 5. The endothelium of recently formed vessels has a fine structure which distinguishes it clearly from that of more mature vessels. Certain features of this structure are compatible with a secretory activity by the endothelium during the formation of new vessels. 6. Evidence was obtained that in the course of differentiation of recently formed vessels fibroblast-like cells are incorporated into vessel walls to become adventitial cells, and that adventitial cells may undergo conversion to vascular smooth muscle cells. 7. Lymphatic endothelium exhibits properties during regeneration that confirm the specificity of this form of endothelium. 8. Cells with the characteristic fine structure of fibroblasts were frequently found in mitosis. The fibroblasts in the regions of active fibrogenesis had a highly developed cisternal form of endoplasmic reticulum. Vesicles and corresponding caveolae identifiable in such fibroblasts may provide a communication between the endoplasmic reticulum and the sites of fibrogenesis at the external surfaces of the cells. 9. Cells sharing characteristic features of fine structure formed a series which grouped together the monocyte, macrophage and foreign body giant cell. 10. Highly fibrillary intracytoplasmic tracts were found in both fibroblasts and macrophages. These tracts were equated with the fibroglial fibres of light microscopy. 11. ‘ Clear spaces ’ in advance of the growing fringe of blood vessels were temporary structures lined by a pavement of mesothelium-like cells. 12. No evidence was found of the formation of primitive mesenchymal tissue during healing in the mammal.


1968 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherwin S. Desser ◽  
K. A. Wright

The major features of the cytology of oökinetes, oöcysts, and sporozoites of Leucocytozoon simondi Mathis and Leger as seen in KMnO4-fîxed midguts of Simulium rugglesi and examined in the electron microscope, are related to their appearance in Giemsa-stained light microscope preparations. Thus, blue-staining regions of oökinete and oöcyst and the posterior, darkly stained region of sporozoites correspond to regions of endoplasmic reticulum; light "vacuole-like" regions correspond to accumulations of dense material which were not membrane enclosed; and minute red-stained spots at the anterior tip of sporozoites correspond to paired organelles. The dense material of oökinetes which, in oöcysts, is segregated into developing sporozoites may function as an energy source for sporozoites. The structure and development of these stages is similar to that of Plasmodium spp. The oöcyst of L. simondi develops extracellularly, enclosed by the basal lamina of the midgut with most of its surface surrounded by the basal cell membrane of midgut epithelial cells. This location of the oöcyst may be important in determining the subsequent pattern of development of this species.


1960 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Brandes ◽  
Adolfo Portela

The fine structure of the epithelial cells of the anterior lobe, or coagulating gland, of the mouse prostate has been investigated by electron microscopy. This organ is composed of small tubules, lined by tall, simple cuboidal epithelium surrounded by connective tissue and smooth muscle. The epithelial cells are limited by a distinct plasma membrane, which covers minute projections of the cytoplasm into the lumen. The cell membranes of adjacent cells are separated by a narrow layer of structureless material of low density. The cavities of the endoplasmic reticulum are greatly dilated, and the cytoplasmic matrix is reduced to narrow strands, in which the various organelles are visible. The content of the cavities of the endoplasmic reticulum appears as structureless material of lesser density than the cytoplasmic matrix. Material which may be interpreted as secretion products can be seen in the lumina of the tubules. The possible nature of the material inside the cisternal spaces and the secretory mechanisms in these cells is discussed.


1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Braekevelt

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelial layer and associated regions has been studied by electron microscopy in the adult mud minnow Umbra limi. The pigment epithelium is composed of a single layer of large columnar cells. Each epithelial cell has abundant small mitochondria, much smooth endoplasmic reticulum (often in highly organized arrays), myeloid bodies, phagosomes and pigment granules. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes are scarce. The scleral or basal border of the epithelial cells is but minimally infolded whereas the vitreal or apical surface displays numerous elongated processes which surround the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors. Unattached, presumably phagocytic cells are a constant feature both between the retinal epithelial cells and within Bruch's membrane. Bruch's membrane lacks a central elastic layer and is composed only of three layers. The endothelial wall of the choriocapillaris bordering Bruch's membrane is typically very thin with a few fenestrations. This region of the mud minnow eye is morphologically similar to that described in other teleost species but differs from that described in most mammals.


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