ALBERT

Notes: The skin of Bagarius bagarius (Ham.) is devoid of scales but is rough due to the presence of numerous pentagonal epidermal elevations, which are separated by deep furrows at regular intervals. These elevated pentagonal regions of the epidermis are covered by dead cornified cells in the form of caps. As the old cap goes off a new one is formed by the death of the underlying epidermal cells. The middle layer of the epidermis is mainly composed of well defined polygonal cells. Their cytoplasm is granular in nature and give reactions for protein bound sulphydryl groups. The stratum germinativum is composed of two types of basal cells, the columnar cells and the spherical cells.The flask shaped mucous glands are restricted to the epidermal furrows and secrete either neutral or acidic mucopolysaccharides. Certain large specialysed granular cells are found in the epidermis which are grouped around the taste buds. These specialysed cells may be the photocytes.Two layers of the dermis can be distinguished - the relatively thin stratum laxum and the thick stratum compactum. Dermal papillae mainly support the taste buds. The pigment cells are arranged in two layers in the dermis.The subcutis is composed of loose connective tissues, richly infiltrated with the fat cells, nerves and blood capillaries.

Notes: Electron microscope studies on Tylocephalum metacestodes embedded in the tissues of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica, have revealed that the tegument of the larval tapeworm is comprised of an external and an internal level which are partially separated by a basal lamina and two layers of muscles. The outer tegumentary level is comprised of an anucleate, cytoplasmic syncytium in which are embedded large and small vesicles and mitochondria. Surfacial hooks are also embedded therein. The internal level is comprised of relatively large discrete cells including mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and large and small vesicles. These cells are intermittently connected with the external level by cytoplasmic bridges.Arising from the external level are unusual microvilli each of which terminates as a spherical vesicle. The stem of each microvillus is covered by a unit membrane which is continuous with that overlaying the body surface. In addition, each microvillus includes an external layer of medium electron density, a medial layer of intense electron density, and a core of heterogenous, medium electron density. These structures may be intertwined and bundles can be observed at the light microscope level as fibril-like projections from the parasite's body surface. One of their possible functions may be to prevent intimate contact between the encapsulating fibers of host origin and the parasite's body surface. In addition, the contraction and distention of the circular muscles result in microvillar movement which may keep the surrounding host fluids, including those of nutritional importance to the parasite, in a state of flux thus hypothetically permitting more uniform uptake.The abundance of vesicles in the syncytial external level of the tegument appears to be characteristic of the more primitive marine cestodes belonging to the orders Trypanorhyncha and Lecanicephala.

Notes: Sequential patterns of cuticle deposition and “melanization” in the imaginal cuticle of Sarcophaga argyrostoma in parts of the body darkening before or after emergence are examined on a histological basis. The patterns in the cuticles examined range from a simple absence of “melanization” to a complex of histological changes involving “melanization” and deposition. Ultrastructural changes in the post-emergent cuticle of Sarcophaga bullata during the hardening and darkening process and cuticle deposition are described.

Notes: Morphological study of Corynosoma hamanni (Linstow, 1892) was continued with the intention of presenting a morphological description of a single, well defined species.Sexual dimorphism is exhibited in body size, males being larger, and in body spination. Trunk spines are arranged in a pattern similar to that of Corynosoma semerme and do not extend onto the bursa as reported in the original description of C. hamanni.Two testes, located side by side, are followed by six cement glands arranged in two groups of three glands each. One group is behind each testis. Cement ducts from glands on the right side cross over Saefftigen's pouch and join to form a reservoir on the left side; ducts from cement glands on the left side fuse forming a second reservoir. The two cement reservoirs unite before emptying into the ejaculatory duct. The bursa possesses rays on its outer wall and numerous, well-developed papillae in the muscular cap.In females, a ruptured genital ligament sac is attached partially on the dorsal wall of the uterine bell and partially on a column of six cells projecting from the bell's base into its lumen. Postericrly the dorsal wall of the bell has two protruding pockets behind which occur ten cells composing the selector apparatus. Dorsal openings into the pseudocoelom occur on either side of the uterine bell. Two muscular tubes conduct eggs into the uterus. Female C. hamanni frequently form genital vestibules in which the genital pore occurs along the dorsal wall and not, as reported for some species, at the anterior tip.Eggs of C. hamanni possess four membranes rather than the previously reported three.

Notes: A seasonal study of the seminal vesicles in relation to that of the testes had been conducted in the catfish, H. fossilis. The annual reproductive cycle of the catfish has been divided into (i) Preparatory period (February-April), (ii) Prespawning period (May-June), (iii) Spawning period (July-August) and (iv) Postspawning period (September-January). Testes exhibit initiation of spermatogenesis in the mid-preparatory period, but significant increase in weight of the testes accompanied by active spermatogenesis occurs during the prespawning period. In the spawning period, the testes are maximally enlarged and their seminiferous tubules are packed with spermatozoa. Following spawning, the testes gradually regress in the postspawning period. The seminal vesicles show initiation of secretory activity during the preparatory period but their recrudescence lags behind that of the testes by about a month. The seminal vesicles attain maximum weight and secretory activity during the spawning period. Thereafter, the seminal vesicles regress precipitously and sooner than the testes.The histochemical and biochemical studies on the seminal vesicles indicate that the secretion contains mucoproteins, acid mucopolysaccharides, primary proteoses, besides traces of phospholipids and native proteins.

Notes: During cleavage of honeybee eggs two peaks arise in the longitudinal distribution pattern of the periplasm which coincide with the site of the differentiation center and the site of a mesodermal center. A very similar pattern is exhibited by the dorsal plasmstrip, a narrow band of thicker periplasm which is formed during cleavage along the dorsal midline of the egg. The present paper describes the development of the dorsal plasmstrips of two inbred strains of honeybees during early cleavage stages. Differences between the two strains reside in the total size of their dorsal plasmstrips and in the timing of the formation of the anterior peak which coincides with the site of the differentiation center. The bearing of these findings upon embryological studies is discussed.

Notes: The “cuticle,” which revests the starfish tube foot, has been studied by electron microscopy and the findings correlated with histochemical observations.The “cuticle” is composed by two distinct zones; an outer zone including numerous microvilli, which extend from the inner zone into and through a fibrillar substance distinctly organized in two layers. These microvilli protrude slightly beyond the outer surface, where their tips give rise tonumerous extremely delicate fibrils. The second inner zone, of quite variable thickness and condensation of material, presents a coarser fibrous matrix where organelles and inclusions can be found.The whole cuticular complex does not derive from the majority of the epithelial cells, but is probably an extension of a special kind of T-shaped cells appearing at intervals, the “cuticle” forming a syncytial surface.Histochemical investigations indicate that the “cuticle” contains a combination of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharide, with a marked neutral predominance, the outer one displaying also an extremely thin coat of acid mucopolysaccharide with the sulfate group.The ordered arrangement of the microvilli suggests that this situation is imposed by the strong bond existing between the microvilli and the ouble mucopolysaccharide layers which would act as a cementing substance stabilizing the entire apical surface of the cell.

Notes: The length of the oviduct, the thickness of its wall, and the height of its mucosal epithelium and cilia were measured in (a) 0-, 2-, 4- and six-month-old rabbits, (b) rabbits ovariectomized at birth and (c) ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rabbits. The length and external diameter of the oviduct increased progressively until four months of age, after which their rates of increase declined. The thickness of the oviductal wall at the uterotubal junction was twice as large as that of the isthmus at two months of age and six times as large at four and six months of age. The height of the mucosal epithelium in the fimbriae was less than that in other oviductal segments at birth, but exceeded that in other segments at six months of age. Ciliated cells and motile cilia were absent 24 hours after birth; they were first observed two months after birth. The cilia of fimbriae were shorter than cilia elsewhere in the oviduct. Neonatal ovariectomy retarded the development of the oviduct and the mesotubarium and caused pyknosis of ciliated and non-ciliated cells of the oviductal mucosa. Cells with scarcely motile cilia were present five and one-half months after neonatal ovariectomy.

Notes: The epidermis of 146 specimens of Dipsosaurus dorsalis and 182 Uma notata collected throughout the active period of the animals' year has been examined. The morphology of the epidermis is essentially similar to previously described lacertilians but differs in the relatively great degree of development of the mesos layer and the complete keratinization of the lacunar tissue prior to sloughing.Analysis of sloughing frequency throughout the year suggests that species specific patterns may exist, but these do not correlate with any particular known ecologic datum. The patterns do not reflect the reproductive activity of the two species supporting previous experimental conclusions on the lack of effect of gonadial hormones on epidermal activity.There appears to be no evidence of association of femoral gland activity with epidermal activity in D. dorsalis, but the situation is not clearcut in U. notata. These data are discussed in the light of recent studies of the evolutionary origin of epidermal glands in lizards.

Notes: The structural changes of mitochondria that occur during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in the rabbit have been examined with the electron microscope. Mitochondria of oogonia are both elongate and oval and contain a variable number of cristae which may or may not traverse the longitudinal axis of the organelle. When oogonia differentiate into oocytes, mitochondria become spheroidal and their cristae are sparse when compared with those found in the ellipsoidal organelles of concomitantly maturing follicle cells. As differentiation proceeds, the cristae of the mitochondria display varied configurations. For example, many display an arch-like arrangement in several regions of the organelle whereas others contain a pair of concentric membranes closely associated with limiting membrane of the mitochondrion.Mitochondria of stages from the fertilized egg to the morula possess the same internal structure as those of young oocytes. As the morula differentiates into a blastocyst there is a gradual increase in the size of the mitochondria and an increase in the number of cristae. We believe that the number and modifications of cristae indicate stages of mitochondriogenesis and the level of enzymatic activity in which this organelle is engaged during oogenesis and early embryogenesis.

Notes: The reproductive tracts of several species of lizards were examined to understand the events assoclated with the transport of discharged oocytes following ovulation. At the onset of the reproductive cycle the regressed ovaries and oviducts appear as inconspicuous structures pressed against the dorsal body wall. As the reproductive cycle progresses, they undergo marked changes in position and size. The oviducts migrate ventrally and surround the growing ovarian oocytes, which move anteriorly where coelomic space is more abundant and eventually press intimately against the infundibulum. When ovulation occurs the ostium is in a remarkably strategic location for directly receiving the ovulated oocytes. The virtual isolation of the ovaries from the general coelom by the encapsulating oviducts, and the intimate association of the pre-ovulatory oocytes with the infundibular ostium do not support the current concept advocating the migration of loose ova following ovulation. An alternative explanation for the “trans-coelomic migratiion of ova” is proposed.

Notes: A fine structure study of spermatids and spermatozoa of the spider, Pisaurina sp. demonstrates that early spermiogenesis is similar to other flagellate spermatozoa. An acrosome forms from a Golgi-derived, acrosomal vesicle, a perforatorium indents acromosome and nucleus, a flagellum with a three-plus-nine tubule substructure is formed and nuclear chromatin condenses during spermiogenesis. Divergence from typical spermatozoa includes the presence of a three-tubule substructure of the central flagellar shaft, progressive rounding-up of late spermatids with concomitant incorporation of previously formed flagellum. This evidence is presented in terms of its possible functional significance in fertilization and gamete fusion in spiders.

Notes: Gross morphology, staining characteristics and mapping of the diversity of the neurosecretory cell types in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of the scorpion Heterometrus swammerdami are reported. Special neurosecretory cell groups whose product is stainable with orange-G, acid fuchsin and Heidenhain's hematoxylin are present in the brain.In many of the living isolated neurosecretory cells, the secretory material appears luminous when viewed with dark ground illumination and granular when observed with phase contrast microscope.In the subesophageal ganglion the metameric arrangement of neurosecretory cells is distinct. Neurosecretory product accumulating in specific regions of subesophageal ganglion, and its axonal transport into the dorsal nerves and their termination in cephalic blood vessels apparently representing a storage and release organ of neurosecretion is reported.

Notes: The placental memebranes and uterus of the garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, were studied using histological, histochemical, electron microscopic, dye transfer, and radioisotopic techniques. The conceptuses are completely enclosed throughout gestation by a transparent shell membrane which is produced by glandular epithelia in the uterine segment of the oviduct.Both chorio-allantoic and omphalo (yolk-sac) placentation are observed in this snake. The growth of the extra-embryonic mesoderm takes place in a manner peculiar to placental reptiles, and results in the isolation of the omphaloplacenta from the yolk-sac wall. On the basis of morphology, enzyme histochemistry, and phagocytosis of Trypan blue particles, this structure is interpreted as a site of histiotrophic absorption.The chorio-allantoic region of placentation is simple in structure. Fetal and maternal capillaries are closely apposed but always separated by layers of uterine and chorionic epithelium and the thin shell membrane. The placental membranes of the garter snake are similar in many respects to those of other live-bearing snakes, but less specialized than most lizard placentate.Isotopically labelled sodium and glycine are passed to the fetus following maternal injection, the latter at least apparently via the omphaloplacenta. The permeability to iron and phospate is extremely low. On the basis of these results and the selective transfer of certain dyestuffs, it appears that the shell membrane functions as a dialyzing membrane.

Notes: Spermatozoa of the hydroid Pennaria tiarella were examined with the electron microscope. The anterior region is characterized by the presence of 30-40 membrane-bounded vesicles which lie anterior to the nucleus. These vesicles are apparently derived from the Golgi apparatus.The nucleus is conical in shape with a protrusion at the anterior end. Posteriorly it is indented by four radially arranged mitochondria. Lying within the fossa formed by the mitochondria are proximal and distal (filament forming) centrioles. The distal centriole is characterized by nine centriole satellite projections which emanate from its matrix. The tubules of the distal centriole are continuous with the alpha filaments of the tail.The tails are typical 9 + 2 flagella with 9 peripheral doublet (or alpha) filaments surrounding two central (or beta) filaments.

Notes: The principal parenchymal elements of the submandibular glands of the heteromyid rodents Dipodomys merriami, Perognathus longimembris, Perognathus fallax, Perognathus penicillatus and Perognathus baileyi consist of acini, granular tubules and striated ducts.Acinar cells of the four species of Perognathus are aniline blue, PAS (magenta) and Alcian blue (pH 2.5) positive and metachromatic with toluidine blue and safranin. The granules of the tubule cells are orthochromatic and react with aniline blue, orange G, the PAS reagent (deep pink) and the tryptophan indicator, xanthydrol. Acinar and tubule cells of D. merriami exhibit similar reactions except for the Alcian blue stain. Acinar cells of D. merriami do not react with Alcian blue.Submandibular glands of D. merriami exhibit a sexual dimorphism of the granular tubules. There is little observable difference between the sexes in the species of Perognathus but the ratio of granular tubules to acinar elements, the degree of hypertrophy of the tubules, and the amount of mucosubstance and protein (granules) contained in their cells are different in the four species studied.Since these desert rodents have similar habitats and habits, the differences observed between the two heteromyid subfamilies studied, as well as among the four members of a single subfamily, suggest that these are inherent species variations rather than variations of adaptation to environment.

Notes: The histology of the alimentary canal is described for the last instar larva, pupa, and adult Hyalophora cecropia (L.). Particular attention is given to the changes occurring in the midgut during the larval-pupal transformation and in the hindgut during the pupal-adult transformation. Descriptions are made as to the nature of the imaginal rings at each end of the midgut and a new structure is described in the larval ileum. The formation of adult rectal pads is followed in detail.

Notes: The external prostate of male hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus, Hemiechinus sp.) was studied at the beginning and at the end of the breeding seasons. Its tubular secretory units contain two types of epithelia, columnar and stratified. The columnar epithelium has abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and forms secretory granules. The stratified epithelium undergoes cellular changes culminating in appearance of nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions, nuclear pyknosis and desquamation of cells and nuclei into lumen. The nuclear inclusions contain protein and abundant silver-reducing substances. These inclusions may be derived from the residual protein of the nucleus.

Notes: Integument from blue and green areas of the variant blue frog were analyzed biochemically for pteridines and carotenoids. Solvent extraction and absorption spectrophotometry indicated that β carotene was greatly reduced in the blue skin, and present in high quantities in the green skin of the blue frog. Thin layer and paper chromatography indicated that the pteridines were almost totally lacking in the blue skin, and present in normal quantities in the green skin of the blue frog.Light and electron microscopy indicated that the xanthophore pigment cells were either greatly altered or absent from the blue integument and present in the green integument. The fine structure of the xanthphores of the green integument contained the normal ultrastructural components of xanthopores found in regular green integument. The blue integument contained an abnormal cell type that occupied the position in the dermal chromatophore unit normally held by the xanthophores. The possibility of these cells being abnormal xanthophores or some other cell type is discussed.

Notes: The spleen of the armadillo is invested by a capsule composed predominantly of smooth muscle. Inward extensions from the capsule contribute to an extensive system of trabeculae of the non-vascular type. The white pulp presents a typical follicular arrangement and the red pulp is permeated by an anastomosing series of venous sinsuses. The capillary segment of the penicillar artery is invested by an ellipsoid sheath. The spleen of the armadillo may be included in the class of mammalian spleens characterized as sinusal in nature and possessing ellipsoid sheaths. Electron micrographs of thin sections of the sheathed capillaries demonstrate a high-type of endothelium. A characteristic feature of this endothelium is the presence of a distinct intracytoplasmic fibrous component.The reticular cells comprising the sheath proper exhibit various sized vacuoles and inclusion bodies suggestive of their potentially phagocytic nature. In both light and electron microscopy, venous sinuses lie in close proximity to the peripheral cells of the ellipsoid sheaths. Within the wall of the venous sinuses, patent openings are appearent between the lining cells. If such an arrangement exists in the functional state of the organ, it could provide for an additional means of exposure of both plasma and cellular elements to the adjacent phagocytic cells of the sheath proper.

Notes: The aggregation in vitro of embryonic neural retina cells was studied by electron microscopy with special emphasis on the reformation of intercellular junctions. The results show that (1) embryonic neural retina cells dissociated with trypsin retain morphological characteristics and polarity after dispersion into a suspension; (2) initial adhesions between the aggregating cells are nonspecific with respect to cell type and to the site of cell surface involved; (3) histogenetic associations in clusters of reaggregated cells appear within two hours after the start of aggregation. A hypothesis is presented that coated vesicles play a role in the formation of intercellular junctions.

Notes: Observations on inner ear structure were made in five species of Scincidae, together with measurements of auditory sensitivity in terms of cochlear potentials. The basilar membrane and auditory papilla show a characteristic form, with considerable uniformity in dimensions except for a moderate expansion in the dorsal region and a more prominent one at the ventral end.A characteristic feature is the presence of a tectorial membrane that covers a large part of the surface of the medial limbus, but never leaves this surface and thus fails to make any contact with the auditory papilla. Hair-cell stimulation is achieved entirely through operation of the inertia principle (or equivalent principles) by means of a chain of sallets extending along most of the cochlea but giving way in the region of the ventral expansion to a single large body, the culmen papillae.The sensitivity varies in the five skinks studied from better than average to some-what below average in comparison with other lizard species. Thus an inertial (or inertia-like) system of hair-cell stimulation compares favorably with the tectorial membrane (restraint) system exhibited in the ears of most other lizards and all the higher animals.

Notes: Spiders possess curved, blunt-tipped hairs on all legs and palps, which differ in many details from the straight, sharp-pointed, tactile hairs: (1) the blunt tip is open to the outside, which can be demonstrated by high resolution microscopy and by the penetration of dyes; (2) the hair shaft has a double lumen which consists of a circular (tube) and a crescent shaped lumen; (3) this hair is innervated by two to three bipolar neurons whose dendrites enter the small tube, where they arborize into 16-20 branches. Multiple innervation and an open tip give strong evidence for a chemoreceptive function. Concluding from their position and distribution on the distal leg parts, a contact chemoreception is tentatively proposed. This interpretation is supported by the close structural analogy to the known contact chemoreceptors in insects. Observation of behavior indicates the importance of a contact chemoreceptor on spider legs. Other possible chemoreceptors in spiders which have been described previously by other authors are discussed.

Notes: In a study of survival of embryonic grafts in turtles, Chelydra was used as host and Chrysemys and Amyda as donors. Somites and overlying ectoderm with or without adjacent neural tube were transplanted. The operations were unilateral and orthotopic. The involved the anterior portion of the carapace. In other experiments, bilateral neural crest and dorsal neural tube were transplanted orthotopically.In experiments with Chrysemys as donor, pigment cells formed conspicuous red areas ventrally when neural crest was included in the graft. This pigment faded gradually but persisted for three or four years.When somites and adjacent ectoderm of Chrysemys carapace were transplanted, the graft area was lightly pigmented at hatching. This pigmentation increased subsequently. The Chrysemys grafts were either accepted or partially rejected. In cases of apparent complete acceptance, the graft region took on characteristics of the host.When Amyda served as donor of carapace rudiments, the graft area retained characteristics of the donor. At hatching, dark spots on a yellow background were present and scutes were absent. A few months after hatching, the graft area became necrotic. Subsequently, scutes with host characteristics or skin covered the graft area.

Notes: Changing spermatozoan associations were observed in the epididymides of several mammals. These associations ranged from closely interwoven cylindrical bodies, found in the proximal part of the epididymis, to disorganized masses of spermatozoa, found in the distal part of the duct. It is suggested that changes in the cohesive properties of epididymal spermatozoa resulted in the formation and fragmentation of cylindrical bodies. These bodies, differeing in pattern and complexity according to the species, were found in all investigated mammals, including man. Cohesiveness appeared first in the upper part of the epididymidis, where it was confined to the spermatozoan tails. In general, there was a diminution of cohesive forces as the spermatozoa passed down the epididymal duct; consequently, the cylindrical bodies turned into disorganized masses of spermatozoa. There are indications that changes in the cohesive properties of spermatozoa may represent one aspect of spermatozoan maturation.

Notes: Large number of annuli in Hirudinea are not true segments, and in the absence of spacious bodycavity and septa in adult no decision was taken regarding limit of a somite, until Gratiolet 1862 recognised a segment by colour marking, repetition of nephridial openings, and especially by the presence of segmental receptors, distinguishing first annulus of a segment. Whitman 1884 gave precision to these determinations and analyzed morphology of leeches to logical completeness. He recognised that though Hirudinaria and Hirudo have 102 body annuli and posterior sucker, true segments are only 26 plus 7.Castle ('00) and Moore ('00) proposed a new scheme of segmentation, with segmental receptor bearing annulus, as central annulus of a complete somite, with nerve ganglion, like that of other annelids, in center of a segment. They orientated everything roundabout the ganglion without noticing distorted fate of organ system.In this paper both the views are compared. Morphological and embryological studies reveal that the annulus bearing the segmental receptors in uniformly first annulus of all segments, including incomplete segments at the two extremities, with nerve ganglion in first annulus of the segment.Clitellum occupies three natural segments, IX, X, XI; crop caeca, nephridia, testis sacs, haemocoelomic channels and “rhomboidal figures” formed by ventrolaterals, all make a complete unit, well integrated in such segment. Conclusive evidence comes from the presence of septa at the level of each nerve ganglion in embryos of Hirudinaria. These observations corroborate Gratiolet and Whitman's view.

Notes: Sperm from the male spermatophore in the red spotted newt are held indefinitely in convoluted, tubular outpocketings of the female cloaca called, collectively, a spermatheca. Each outpocketing, or tubule, when studied in thin section with the electron microscope showed a wall consisting of two components, a continuous inner or lining layer of epithelial cells and an outer covering layer of myoepithelial cells.The myoepithelial layer is penetrated by occasional openings or intercellular spaces through which the epithelial cells make contact with a basal lamina that bounds the tubule. The myoepithelial cells resemble smooth muscle cells displaying filaments (mean diameter = 75 Å ± 1 S.E.) that are probably constituted of actin, dense bodies and prominent caveolae. They are sparsely supplied with mitochondria, ribosomes, Golgi complexes and, sometimes, particles of glycogen. Typically the epithelial cells contain secretion granules, numerous mitochondria and ribosomes. They contain some fibers similar to those of the myoepithelial cells but with mean diameters that are significantly larger (90 Å ± 2 S.E.). Occasional profiles of Golgi complexes are evident and glycogen particles are abundant throughout the cytosomes of spermathecal tubules from adult animals bearing sperm. Secretory granules and glycogen are extremely rare or lacking in the spermathecae of efts that have not attained sexual maturity and in animals with ablated or involuted ovaries. In such animals large electron-lucid vesicles appear at or near luminal borders. Glycogen is absent and secretory granules show signs of dissolution in the spermathecal cells of gravid females induced to ovulate by the injection of chorionic gonadotropin. It is indicated that the epithelial cells provide nourishment for the sperm while they are retained within the spermathecal tubules, that the discharge of sperm from the spermatheca is facilitated by the contraction of the myoepithelial cells and that gonadal hormones act in the regulation of spermathecal function.

Notes: A fine structural analysis of the ovotestis in Aplysia was undertaken in order to analyze the site of action of the bag cell hormone. Five stages of oocyte development are described. Of particular interest is the fact that the yolk seems to be synthesized primarily by the granular endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, small muscle cells whose long, thin processes surround the follicle of the ovotestis have been pointed out. This paper suggests that bag cell extract has a direct action on these small muscle cells causing them to contract and thus expel oocytes from the ovotestis. The evidence for this suggestion is that (1) these muscle cells are the most obvious effector cells in the ovotestis, (2) there are no signs of neural innervation of these muscles, (3) the time course for the liberation of the oocytes is so short that any other method of oocyte release is unlikely, (4) there is no cytologic evidence for any other expulsion process except muscular contraction, and (5) the ripe oocytes are attached to other cells of the wall of the ovotestis only by very small, simple junctions, thus making them the most likely cells to be expelled by muscular contraction.

Notes: The structure and polysaccharide constitution of the jelly capsule of the egg of Rana pipiens is described. Microscopic examination of the jelly capsule revealed the presence of five discrete jelly layers that differed clearly in their response to selected cytochemical tests. These layers were classified as M1-through M5 from the inner to the outermost layer. A sixth layer occasionally could be observed between M3 and M4.All layers contain neutral mucopolysaccharides. In addition layers M1 and M3 contain sulphated mucopolysaccharides, M2 and M4 contain non-sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides, and layer M5 contains both sulphated and non-sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides. M2 may also contain a small quantity of sulphated mucopolysaccharides. The layer that occasionally appears between M3 and M4 is probably an area in which free acidic groups are in higher concentration than in adjacent areas rather than being a discrete jelly layer. Neither hyaluronic acid nor sialic acid was localized by the methods employed.The possible significance of some of these constituents is discussed.

Notes: Meiosis is described in virgin females, inseminated females and males of the acarid mite Caloglyphus mycophagus (Megnin). The observed sex determining mechanism is an XO-type with the male having a diploid chromosome number of 15. Oogenesis in mated females is regular. Pachytene is the earliest meiotic stage which is readily identifiable. At metaphase I eight bivalents are observed. Both products of the first maturation division divide at the second maturation division. After the fusion of the pronuclei either 15 or 16 chromosomes are observed in cleaving eggs.Nurse cells are not observed during the growth period of the oocyte. Such oocytes are attached to a central structure of the ovary by a cone-shaped organelle. At this stage the nucleus appears as a germinal vesicle; a nucleolus is present and the diffuse chromatin appears to extend from the nucleolus to the nuclear membrane. Nuclear extrusion bodies can be seen adjacent to the nuclear membrane both within and outside of the nucleus.Virgin females do not oviposit. The aberrant morphology and behavior of bivalents in post diakinetic oocytes which have not been penetrated by a sperm are described. Neither chromatin nor a chorion could be demonstrated in aberrant oocytes situated in the oviduct. It is suggested that oocyte degeneration in virgins is an adaptive feature in an animal order in which parthenogenesis is the more common mode of reproduction.

Notes: During postnatal development of the pigeon, a large portion of the skeleton becomes pneumatized, displacing the hemopoietic bone marrow. The consequences of pneumatization on distribution and quantity of bone marrow as well as the availability of other sites for hemopoiesis have been investigated. Hemopoietic marrow of differently aged pigeons divided into five groups from 1 week posthatching (p.h.) up to 6 months p.h. was labeled with Fe-59 and examined by serial whole-body sections. Autoradiography and morphometry as well as scintillation counts of single bones and organs were also carried out. No sign of a reactivation of embryonic sites of erythropoiesis was found. Bone marrow weight and its proportion of whole-body weight increased during the first 4 weeks p.h. from 0.54% to 2.44% and decreased in the following months to about 1.0%. The developing bone marrow showed a progressive distribution during the first months of life, eventually being distributed proportionally over the entire skeleton, except for the skull. At the age of 6 months p.h. bone marrow had been displaced, its volume decreasing in correlation to increasing pneumaticity and conversion to fatty marrow. This generates the characteristic pattern of bone marrow distribution in adult pigeons, which shows hemopoietic bone marrow in ulna, radius, femur, tibiotarsus, scapula, furcula, and the caudal vertebrae.

Notes: Artificially incubated fertile eggs from wild alligators have a significantly better hatch rate than those of captive, pen-reared alligators, possibly due to differences in the morphology of the eggshells. We compared the morphology of eggshells of wild alligators to those of captive alligators living in semi-natural environmental pens. Lengths and widths of eggs were measured and volume was determined, assuming an ellipsoid shape. Eggs were also evaluated for the quality of the eggshell (the presence or absence of rough deposits). Pieces of shell were cut from unincubated eggs and from eggs incubated for 55 days (just before hatching) and examined by scanning electron microscopy. Open pores on the outer surface of the shells were counted and thickness of the pieces was measured from micrographs. Results indicated that the number of pores on eggshells was lowest in eggs of captive alligators with early embryonic death. The number of pores was intermediate in eggs with early embryonic death from wild alligators, and the number of pores was highest in eggs with full-term embryos from wild or captive alligators. It is suggested that decreased porosity of eggshells may be associated with early embryonic death, is more prevalent in captive animals, and may, therefore, be related to poor hatch rate among penreared alligators.

Notes: Adult hornets (Vespa orientalis; Hymenoptera, Vespinae) build the brood combs out of organic or mineral matter. The cement that serves to glue the building material together is secreted in their saliva, the latter hardening within seconds to form fibers or plates. This saliva-derived spittle overlies and unites the building particles laminally and vertically. The hornet larvae spin a cocoon within the brood cells, which is largely fastened to and supported by the cell walls and is composed of a network of silk fibers and interlinking flat surfaces. On the outside of the cocoon fibers are spherical button-like structures that are very rich in phosphorus. The chemical composition of the adult salivary cement and the larval cocoon fibers is similar: both contain the elements P, Mg, S, Cl, K, and Ca. The possible biological significance of these findings is discussed.Among social insects belonging to the Hymenoptera, there are three main groups that build a multitude of cells, namely, the paper wasps (Polistinae), the other social wasps or hornets (Vespinae), and the social bees (Apinae). The constructed cells serve mainly for rearing the brood, but in many instances (particularly among various Apinae) they also serve for storing honey and pollen. For building material, Apinae rely primarily on beeswax (a product secreted by the bee itself to which various amounts of plant resins are added). On the other hand, wasps (Polistinae and Vespinae) build mainly from matter collected in the nearby environment, be it organic matter such as tree bark, mineral matter, or a combination of the two.Much information has accumulated on comb and cell building among these insect groups (e.g., Wheeler, '23; Van der Vecht, '57, '65; Lindauer, '61; Michener, '61; Kemper and Döhring, '67; Wilson, '71; Guiglia, '72; Spradbery, '73; Edwards, '80; Brian, '83; Schremmer et al., '85). Species of Polistinae and Vespinae are prevalent in forest areas in Southeast Asia and in central and South America or in the temperate regions in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and they mainly use vegetable matter to build their combs. In contrast, species prevalent in the Mediterranean region, which is dry and relatively unvegetated during the wasp and hornet active season, rely more on nearby mineral than on plant matter. Comb building in the Oriental hornet is well known (Darchen, '64; Ishay et al., '67; Schaudinischky and Ishay, '68; Ishay, '73, '75a, b, '76; Ishay and Sadeh, '75, '76; Ishay and Perna, '79; Ishay et al., '82). Recently Ganor et al. ('86) described the cell wall in the V. orientalis comb, showing it to be composed of mineral particles collected near the subterranean nest, in contrast to the comb of two European species (V. crabro and Vespula) (Paravespula) germanica, which is built primarily of organic matter. Regardless of whether the building material is mineral or organic, the hornets utilize particles of sand or other minerals or pieces of wood wrapped and melded together by saliva. However, nothing is known about the cement or mortar used to glue together these “bricks.” The present investigation was initiated to increase our knowledge of this cementing substance.Combs of V. orientalis were collected from fields in the Tel-Aviv district in 1987 during the active season, which extends over most of the summer months. Because the combs are easily damaged, care was taken to remove them intact from the natural nest. Once removed, the combs were cleared of the existing brood (eggs, larvae, or pupae) and then stored carefully in dry glass vessels until examined. For the present study, combs were collected only from nests in Khamra soil, which is common in the Tel-Aviv district and along the coastal area of Israel. To investigate the morphology of the cement material in the comb, strips of comb wall as well as segments of the pupal silk dome were removed from each comb and prepared for examination. The comb wall strips were cut to a size of 3 × 6 mm and fastened to the stub of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The silk pieces were processed in two ways: (1)strips of 3 × 4 mm were fastened onto a stub with the convex (outer surface) facing up or (2) with the concave (interior) side upward.Silk strips were boiled for 2 hours in distilled water to remove all impurities, such as foreign matter adhering to the silk secreted by the larvae. Examination of these silk fibres was carried out in the three ways: (1)SEM micrography of the exterior (white portion) of the silk dome; (2) micrography of the interior; (3) micrography of both exterior and interior aspects after boiling for 2 hours in distilled water to remove water-suspended foreign materials that may have clung to the silk dome in the course of ordinary nest activity.The chemical composition of selected specimens was investigated by x-ray analysis. They were done on JEOL 840 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with Link 10,000 Energy-Dispersive System (EDS). (With the EDS System, the spectrometer separates the elements according to energy rather than wavelength). Quantitative analysis was by ZAF4 program. Five strips of comb cell wall were examined from a randomly selected comb, each comb from a different nest. Micrographs were taken of isolated silk samples from each of the examined combs.

Notes: Dissections were performed to document buccal anatomy in three species of the pulmonate genus Helisoma Swainson, 1840. The 28 muscles which are responsible for radular feeding in these animals are organized in three concentric and integrated envelopes. The deepest of these includes muscles which manipulate the radula about the odontophoral cartilage. Elements of the middle envelope direct movements of the cartilage within the buccal cavity, and muscles of the outer envelope control movements of the buccal mass within the cephalic haemocoel. Motion analysis by videomicrography showed that muscles of the middle and outer envelopes contribute to the action of radular feeding by acting as antagonists to other muscles and to hydrostatic elements of the buccal apparatus. Observations of radular dentition showed that although each of the three species examined has a unique radula, especially with regard to the specific details of tooth shape, all resemble a radula characteristic of the Planorbidae with regard to other, more general, aspects of ribbon architecture.

Notes: Crocodilians and birds are the extant representatives of a monophyletic taxon known as archosaurs. Their limbs are highly derived in terms of reduction in number of skeletal elements in both the carpus and the tarsus. It is necessary to have a detailed description of crocodilian limb ontogeny to address the evolutionary issue dealing with the origin and organization of the avian limb. In this paper, we present an analysis of the early development of the crocodilian limb skeleton. Contrasting with earlier observations, we redefine the number and composition of carpal, tarsal, and phalangeal elements. This ontogenetic information is then used to introduce a revision of the homologies of the skeletal elements in the crocodilian limb. Some invariances are pointed out in the developmental organization of tetrapod limbs and this evidence serves to readdress several issues concerning the evolution of the avian limb. We present further embryological data in support of the hypothesis that digits 2-3-4 are the components of the wing skeleton in birds. In general, our comparative survey indicates that the elements that appear late in ontogeny are the ones lost in phylogeny. By comparing turtle (primitive) limb development with crocodilian and bird development, we propose a hypothesis in which the derived skeletal patterns found in crocodilians and birds have originated by a heterochronic process of paedomorphosis.

Notes: A unique pathway that utilizes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) networks is proposed for screening pigment granule formation in the retina of adult Eumesosoma roeweri. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) functions to transport pigment particles to the formative site. Each site is composed of concentric, interconnected rings of SER that are filled with dense-cored, spherical pigment particles. Formation of the screening pigment granule begins by the release of particles from the innermost rings of carrier SER. Continued release followed by fusion and condensation of the pigment particles results in the formation of a mature pigment granule.

Notes: Light and scanning electron microscopy of vascular replicas from the facultative air-breathing fish Heteropneustes fossilis show modifications in the macrocirculation of the respiratory organs and systemic circulation, whereas, gill microcirculation is similar to that found in typical water-breathing fish. Three and sometimes four ventral aortae arise directly from the bulbus. The most ventral vessel supplies the first pair of arches. Dorsal to this another aorta supplies the second gill arches, and a third, dorsal to, and larger than the other two, supplies the third and fourth arches and the air sacs. Occasionally a small vessel that may be the remnant of a primitive aortic arch arises from the first ventral aorta and proceeds directly to the mandibular region without perfusing gill tissue. The air sac is perfused by a large-diameter extension of the afferent branchial artery of the fourth gill arch and its circulation is in parallel with the gill arches. Blood drains from the air sac into the fourth arch epibranchial artery. A number of arteries also provide direct communication between the efferent air sac artery and the dorsal aorta. All four gill arches are well developed and contain respiratory (lamellar) and nonrespiratory (interlamellar and nutrient) networks common to gills of water-breathing fish. Air sac lamellae are reduced in size. The outer 30% of the air sac lamellar sinusoids are organized into thoroughfare channels; the remaining vasculature, normally embedded in the air sac parenchyma, is discontinuous. A gill-type interlamellar vasculature is lacking in the air sac circulation. Despite the elaborate development of the ventral aortae, there is little other anatomical evidence to suggest that gill and air sac outflow are separated and that dorsal aortic oxygen tensions are maintained when the gills are in a hypoxic environment. Physiological adjustments to hypoxic water conditions probably include temporal regulation of gill and air sac perfusion to be effective, if indeed they are so.

Notes: The antennae of adult Damalinia ovis, the sheep louse, were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Sensory structures are located on all three antennal segments with the predominant sensilla type being tactile. Nine different types of sensilla are described on the basis of external appearance. One of the sensilla, designated a “pit organ” because of its unusual shape, has not been described previously. A pair of these sensilla are present on each antenna, and their function is unknown. A group of 11 sensilla on the tip of each antenna contains olfactory and chemosensory pegs, and a possible thermohygroreceptor. The antennae are sexually dimorphic, the male having more tactile sensilla, two well-developed terminal hooks, and a different cuticular architecture on the posterior surface of antennal segment 1.

Notes: The formation of the unpaired structure ventral to the basibranchial region, the so-called urohyal, differs within osteichthyans. A cartilaginous preformed, unpaired “urohyal” is present in sarcopterygians. A three-tendon ossification is present in Polypterus. An “urohyal” or urohyal is absent in both Amia and Lepisosteus. The urohyal formed as an unpaired ossification of the tendon of the sternohyoideus muscle is a feature of teleosts. A new structure, the parurohyal, arises as a double ossification of the tendon of the sternohyoideus muscle in siluroids; during ontogeny an anterodorsal crest or cup-like structure derives from the anterior basibranchial region and the tendon bone; therefore, the parurohyal is compound in origin. Judging from their formation and their distribution within osteichthyans the cartilaginous preformed “urohyal” and the teleostean urohyal are nonhomologous, whereas the urohyal and parurohyal are homologous. The urohyal is connected by ligaments with the ventral hypohyals in most teleosts, whereas it articulates with the ventral hypohyals in teleosts such as Anguilla and Chanos. The parurohyal is a synapomorphy of siluroids. The parurohyal in siluroids is articulated with both ventral and dorsal hypohyals, and with the basibranchial region in catfishes such as diplomystids and ictalurids, whereas it articulates only with the ventral hypohyals in other catfishes such as trichomycterines. The passage of the hypobranchial artery through the hypobranchial foramen of the parurohyal is a unique feature of siluroids, like the absence of the basihyal bone.An ossified dorsal hypohyal appears late in ontogeny in Amia, as do tooth plates related to the medial side of the hyoid arch and branchiostegal rays in Amia, and tooth plates on the hyoid arch and branchiostegal rays in Elops (unique features within extant teleosts). Two ossified hypohyals, a synapomorphy of teleosts, are present early in ontogeny.There is intraspecific variation in the onset of ossification of the bones of the head, but the sequence of ossification between bones in a defined structural system is conserved (e.g., branchiostegal rays ossify first, then bones of the hyoid arch).

Notes: The vas deferens of Ambystoma macrodactylum is composed of a peritoneal epithelium, connective tissue layer with fibroblasts, circular smooth muscle, capillaries, cells containing lipid, and a luminal epithelium composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells covered by a net of interconnected ciliated squamous cells. The cuboidal cells have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and PAS + secretory vesicles. Squamous cells of breeding males consistently have tufts of ∼100 cilia located at one end of the long axis of each cell. These cilia may help distribute secretory products. The squamous cells, absent in post-breeding males, are apparently sloughed into the lumen. Lipid vesicles are present throughout the cytoplasm of the cuboidal and squamous epithelial cells and are also in some cells of the connective tissue layer. These vesicles increase dramatically in number during the first 4 weeks after breeding and may serve as an energy pool for the next breeding season. Enzyme-histochemical tests for testosterone synthesis were negative. In addition to the accumulation of lipid and the loss of squamous cells in the vas deferens, after breeding PAS + vesicle production is terminated. These alterations appear to represent energy conservation strategies employed by the sperm-depleted vas deferens.

Notes: The concept of parallel muscle combinations, in which spindle density is significantly higher in small muscles compared to their larger counterparts in large-small muscle combinations acting across a joint, is supported by the results of this study regardless of the joint. Analysis of the canine data as well as previously published guinea pig forelimb and human pelvic limb data revealed no significant difference in spindle density between antigravity and non-antigravity muscles. Furthermore, a gradual increase in spindle density from proximal to distal on the limb was not found, although spindle density was significantly higher in the intrinsic manus or pes muscles compared to more proximal limb muscles in all three species. The significant differences in spindle densities in parallel muscle combinations and in manus/pes versus proximal muscles are discussed relative to their possible role in the control of locomotion.

Notes: The choanocyte chambers of eight different haplosclerid sponge species have been investigated with regard to their histological structure, their relation to the mesohyl, and their arrangement between the canal systems. Two fundamentally different organizational types occur in the investigated sponge species. In Haliclona rosea, H. oculata, H. elegans, H. simulans, H. rava, H. fistulosa, and Acervochalina limbata the choanocytes are separated from the mesohylar tissue, being more or less covered over the outer surface by pinacocytes belonging to the incurrent canal walls. In Haliclona indistincta, on the other hand, the choanocytes are, as in most other Demospongiae, in contact with the mesohyl at their outer surfaces. This indicates that the present order Haplosclerida is polyphyletic and contains sponges of a presumably poecilosclerid origin.

Notes: The three-dimensional structures of the carotid labyrinth in five species of anurans representing four families (Rana nigromaculata, Rana catesbeiana, Bufo japonicus, Hyla arborea, and Xenopus laevis), and three species of caudates representing three families (Cynops pyrrhogaster, Hynobius nebulosus, Ambystoma mexicanum) were compared using vascular corrosion castings and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Anuran carotid labyrinths are spherical in shape and are classified into two groups according to the origin of the external and internal carotid arteries. One group, which included Rana, Hyla, and Bufo, is characterized by the presence of a vascular ring at the proximal end and some vascular routes at the distal end of the labyrinth. The external and internal carotid arteries originate from these structures. The other group, which includes only Xenopus, is characterized by the external carotid artery opening directly from the central chamber or the common carotid artery, and by the internal carotid artery originating from within the vascular maze. The vascular maze is most complex in Xenopus, less so in Rana and Bufo, and simplest in Hyla. The carotid labyrinths in Cynops and Hynobius are oblong in shape. The fundamental organization in salamanders is similar to that in anurans. The vascular maze, however, is much simpler than in Hyla. There is no specialized swelling in Ambystoma mexicanum. The present findings suggest that most amphibian carotid labyrinths have the appropriate architecture for controlling vascular tone.

Notes: The vomeronasal sensory epithelium of a crotaline snake, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, was shown to consist of a superficial supporting cell layer and an underlying sensory cell layer composed of columns of sensory cells. The supporting cell layer consists of both supporting cells and dendrites of the underlying sensory neurons. The apical regions of sensory cell dendrites contain numerous microtubules, many elongated mitochondria, centrioles, and electron-dense bodies. The dendrites terminate as dendritic knobs from which microvilli project into the vomeronasal lumen. Smooth vesicles are abundant in the dendritic terminals and their vicinity. Supporting cells also bear microvilli, and these cells contain large electron-opaque granules and dense vesicles near their free surfaces. Cytoplasmic extensions of the supporting cells form a meshwork which separates dendrxites from each other in the vicinity of the luminal surface. The meshwork becomes obliterated in the infranuclear region of each supporting cell. Bipolar-shaped sensory cells with lightly stained round nuclei contain the characteristic cell organelles of neurons and are thought to be sensory neurons. These cells are especially characterized by well-developed lamellae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive arrays of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The perikarya of cells located in the apical region of the cell columns tend to contain larger amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipofuscin granules than the perikarya of cells located in lower regions. Undifferentiated cells are found in the basal region of the columns. Satellite cells form the framework of the columns and are also found among neuronal elements.

Notes: The protandric hermaphrodite Ophryotrocha puerilis possesses one pair of eyes. They are located in the peristomium. Each light-sensitive organ consists of one sensory cell and one to two supporting cell(s) embedded in a cup-shaped reflector. The sensory-supporting cell complex is enveloped by a basal lamina. This lamina is supposed to be identical with the neural lamella. Thus the eyes proper have to be regarded as protrusions from the brain, while epidermal cells seem to differentiate to crystalline cells (reflector) and are deposited onto the sensory complex.The reflector is built up by several cup-shaped cells (juveniles, 4-5; adults, 10-12). Each of these cells comprises a multilayer of parallel-oriented, membrane-bound crystalline platelets which are thought to be guanine. The sensory cell is of the inverted rhabdomere type. Submicrovillar cisternae, typical for most polychaete eyes, are lacking. The first and always present supporting cell entirely envelops the sensory cell, thus forming the extracellular space around the rhabdomere. It does not contain any pigment granules. Often but not always a second supporting cell has been observed surrounding the sensory cell and first supporting cell. It is interpreted as a glial cell.In the sensory cell beneath the rhabdomere, pino- and phagocytosis can be observed and secondary lysosomes are found in high densities. Preliminary results seem to demonstrate that there is no distinct diurnal cycle of receptoral membrane recycling. In comparison with the ocelli of Dinophilidae, which have been interpreted as a dorvilleid-related family, morphological differences and their application to phylogenetic considerations are discussed.

Notes: The appearance pattern of pharyngeal tooth germs was investigated in the larval Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, which has a bilaterally asymmetrical dentition. Teeth develop in a series of replacement waves beginning with the initial central tooth (Ce) and continuing with teeth of anterior (An) and posterior (Po) positions relative to the initial one. Identified by wave number (n) and tooth position (r), according to the formula n-1[r], tooth germs appeared in the order of tooth 0[Ce0], 1[Po1], 1[Anl], 2[Ce0], 2[An2], 3[Po1], 3[An1], 4[Ce0], 4[An2], 5[Po1], 5[An1], 5[An3], 6[Ce0], 6[An2] during the larval period. Dentition on the right side, however, lacks the first tooth at position An2 (tooth 2[An2]) and teeth at position An3. Tooth germs on the first, second, and third replacement waves appeared simultaneously on the arches of both sides. During following waves, tooth germs on the left side appeared later than those on the right. Delay of tooth germ appearance On the left side is interpreted as an inhibitory influence of existing tooth germs in accordance with Osborn's (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. B 179:261--289, '71) theory. The delay of tooth germ appearance on the left arch is most pronounced on the seventh replacement wave. Teeth of the right major row in adults of this species are replaced more frequently than those of the left major row, apparently in correlation with the absence of the first larval tooth at position An2 and teeth at position An3. It is hypothesized that cyprinids evolved the minor rows and specialized teeth of their adult dentition as apomorphic characteristics by the process of neoteny.

Notes: Development of the internal structures of the caudal region (muscles, bones, cartilages, nerves, and blood vessels) of the Da/Da mutant medaka and of wild-type +/+ fish was compared. Muscles and nerves were immunochemically stained by using an antibody to troponin T and antibodies to neurofilament proteins, respectively. Bones and cartilages were stained with alizarin red and alcian blue. In stages 31-32 of the Da/Da embryo, the rudiments of epurals 1, 2, and 3 differentiated dorsally opposite the sites of the ventral rudiments of the parhypural, the lower hypural plate, and the upper hypural plate, respectively. In the +/+ embryo, the rudiments of epurals 1 and 2 differentiated in the later developmental stages (after stage 34), but the rudiment of epural 3 did not differentiate. In the Da/Da embryo, the deep dorsal flexor passed dorsalwards and ended at the rudiment of epural 2, whereas the muscle passed ventralwards and ended at the rudiment of the upper hypural plate in the +/+ embryo. In the Da/Da fry, the epichordal region of the caudal fin fold grew and the notochord extended straight into the tail without bending, while in the + /+ fry, the epichordal region did not grow and the notochord turned dorsalwards within the tail. In the Da/Da fry, extra skeletal rudiments and musculature differentiated in the epichordal region of the caudal fin, whereas these supernumerary structures did not develop in the +/+ fry. The pattern of the epichordal skeleton and musculature in the caudal region of the adult Da/Da fish was an almost mirror-image duplication of the hypochordal structures. These observations suggest that the characteristic expansion of the dorsal fin and epichordal lobe in the caudal region of the adult Da/Da fish is due to a process of ventralization, whereby the dorsal skeleton, musculature, and fin fold are stimulated to differentiate in a pattern like that which is restricted to the anal fin and hypochordal lobe of the wild type.

Notes: Tongue musculature in 24 genera of snakes was examined histologically. In all snakes, the tongue is composed of a few main groups of muscles. The M. hyoglossus is a paired bundle in the center of the tongue. The posterior regions of the tongue possess musculature that surrounds these bundles and is responsible for protrusion. Anterior tongue regions contain hyoglossal bundles, dorsal longitudinal muscle bundles and vertical and transverse bundles, which are perpendicular to the long axis of the tongue. The interaction of the longitudinal with the vertical and horizontal muscles is responsible for bending during tongue flicking. Despite general similarities, distinct patterns of intrinsic tongue musculature characterize each infraorder of snakes. The Henophidia are primitive; the Scolecophidia and Caenophidia are each distinguished by derived characters. These derived characters support hypotheses that these latter taxa are each monophyletic. Cylindrophis (Anilioidea) is in some characters intermediate between Booidea and Colubroidea. The condition in the Booidea resembles the lizard condition; however, no synapomorphies of tongue musculature confirm a relationship with any specific lizard family. Although the pattern of colubroids appears to be the most biomechanically specialized, as yet no behavioral or performance feature has been identified to distinguish them from other snakes.

Notes: Wall and internal organelles of the encysting salt marsh heterotrich ciliate Fabrea salina were examined by bright field and Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A mucoid sheath believed to be derived from bacteria covers the ectocyst. The possible bacterial origin of this sheath has been demonstrated experimentally by its removal and reappearence after 24 hours. Control ectocyst maintained in sterile seawater did not replace the sheath. The ectocyst has a crinkled appearance. The endocyst is composed of two layers. The inner endocyst material is continuous with that of the plug located at one end of the cyst. The two membranes are separated from one another by an interwall space filled with fibrous material. The cytoplasm, covered by an outer double membrane pellicle, contains mucocysts, pigment granules, microtubules, non-ciliated kinetosomes, Golgi complexes, ribosome-studded endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. The endoplasm contains numerous autophagosomes, mitochondria, and food reserve materials. The macronucleus is centrally located in the cytoplasm of the encysting organism.

Notes: Analysis of lateral and dorsoventral radiographic films shows that ingestion, transport, and mastication in Pedetes capensis (Rodentia) are cyclic and their movement patterns are essentially similar for the three food types offered. During the ingestion cycle, closing of the mouth is accompanied by a backward translation of the condyles, so that movement is predominantly orthal. During the opening stage, the extent of the anterior condylar translation is smaller. As a result the mandibular incisors move ventrally and posteriorly. During the ingestion cycles, food is transported to the back of the tongue, with the transverse rugae and the folds of the upper lip playing important roles.Springhares show a bilateral masticatory pattern; food is chewed on both sides simultaneously. During chewing, the condyles lie in their most forward position at maximum opening of the mouth. The mouth is closed by rotation of the lower jaw around the temporomandibular joint coupled with posterior condylar translation. At the beginning of the slow-closing stage, the upward rotation of the mandible slows and the jaw slowly shifts forward. During the grinding stage, the mandible is shifted forward with both toothrows in occlusion. During the opening stage, the jaw returns to its starting position.Comparison of kinematic and anatomical data on rodent mastication suggests that some dental characteristics form the most important factors regulating the masticatory pattern and consequently allow reasonably reliable prediction of rodent masticatory patterns.

Notes: Avian embryos can be completely paralyzed by injection of neuromuscular-blocking agents. We used a single injection of decamethonium iodide to paralyze embryos at 7, 8, or 10 days of incubation and analyzed the growth of individual bones (clavicle, mandible, ulna, femur, tibia, humerus) and of individual muscles that act upon some of those bones (clavicular and sternal heads of m. pectoralis, and mm. biceps brachii, depressor mandibulae, pseudotemporalis, and adductor externus). Growth of the bones is not equally affected by paralysis. Only 27% of clavicular growth (by mass) but 77% of mandibular growth occurred in paralyzed embryos, whereas the four long bones exhibited 52-63% of their normal growth. Analysis of muscle weight, fiber length and physiological cross-sectional area (weight/fiber length) indicate that there was greater reduction of the muscles acting on the limbs than of those acting on the mandible, i.e., diminished growth of the skeleton is correlated with reduced muscular activity. Specific retardation of clavicular growth is due to fusion of sternal rudiments and collapse of the thorax, as well as virtual absence of the musculature that normally attaches to the clavicle. We discuss these results in the light of intrinsic and extrinsic factors governing growth of tne embryonic skeleton. Paralysis reduces skeletal growth by reducing both the movements taking place in ovo, and the loads imposed on the bones by muscle contraction, changes that represent alterations in the mechanical environment of the skeleton.

Notes: This study using light and electron microscopy indicates that the saccus vasculosus is distinguishable in 9-mm embryos and grows continuously throughout embryonic development to the adult stage. In the saccus vasculosus, epithelial mitoses are observed in all stages studied. Phases of centriologenesis, ciliogenesis, and globule formation have been characterized in developing coronet cells. During the phase of centriologenesis, new centrioles appear in association with pre-existing centrioles and not on deuterosomes. After ciliogenesis, each cilium differentiates to a globule almost at the same time as the other cilia of the coronet cell. The inner membrane system of the globules seems to derive from the ciliary plasma membrane. This membrane system often produces membrane whorls during the development. The different phases of coronet cell development have been found in the same individual and in all the stages studied except the 9-mm embryo. Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons are observed in the saccus epithelium from the 12-mm embryos on and are distinguishable from coronet cells in their early formative stages. The three cell types of the saccus vasculosus increase continuously in number during development. Nerve processes are found in the saccus vasculosus of embryos, whereas differentiated synapses appear later in the fry. The significance of continued coronet cell formation is discussed in relation to a putative coronet cell and/or a globule renewal cycle in the adult.

Notes: Changes of architecture of adult rat gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GM) due to growth were studied in relation to length-force characteristics. Myofilament lengths were unchanged, indicating constant sarcomere length-force characteristics. Number of sarcomeres within fibers was unchanged as a consequence of growth, allowing persistence of differences between proximal and distal fibers in all age groups. Distal fiber length at muscle optimum length was shorter for the 14- than for the 10- and 16-week age groups despite a lack of difference of number of sarcomeres. This is indicative of a shift of optimum fiber length with respect to muscle length to lengths higher than optimum length. Some evidence for the occurrence of distribution of fiber optimum lengths with respect to muscle optimum length was found in other age groups as well, albeit of a smaller magnitude. Muscle and aponeurosis length increased substantially with growth. Functional effects of increased aponeurosis lengths were increased contributions to muscle length changes by the aponeurosis, allowing smaller fiber contributions in older animals. Fiber angle increased approximately 5° with growth. Despite the differences of architecture indicated above, muscle length range between optimum length and active slack length was constant. This was probably caused by widening of this length range in the youngest age group by variations of architecture within the muscle. It is concluded that adaptation of aspects of muscle architecture is an important mechanism for adult muscle growth in rat GM. Of these aspects regulation of muscle length seems a dominant factor.

Notes: It has been shown that the external parameters of eggs of the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor, are not suitable for assessing the exact developmental stages of embryos. In order to make use of this lizard's embryos for experimental work, a series of developmental stages has been characterized, using various morphological features.

Notes: The cytology of the vitellogenic stages in the development of the oocyte of Drosophila melanogaster is described following an electron microscopic study of sections of plastic-embedded ovaries and single egg chambers. One of the first morphological manifestations of yolk deposition is an infolding of the plasma membrane of the oocyte and the abscission of membranous tubules and vesicles. The protein (alpha) yolk spheres originate along the oocyte periphery from membranous sacs to which are attached membranous tubules. It is assumed that the majority of the protein within the alpha sphere is synthesized by neighboring tubular, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The other organelles in the ooplasm are described, and their origin and possible roles in vitellogenesis are examined. The relative importance of intra- and extra-ovarian synthesis of yolk protein in different insect species is discussed.

Notes: In order to further support the thesis that myoblast fusions lead to the formation of multinucleate myotubes during early amphibian development, prospective myoblasts from frog embryos (Rana pipiens; Xenopus laevis) were orthotopically and heterotopically transplanted into embryonic salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum; A. tigrinum). The stages employed ranged from gastrula to early tail bud. After the hosts had developed to more advanced stages, they were fixed, sectioned in the frontal plane, and prepared for histological observation. Of special interest in these xenoplastic combinations are the nuclear and cytoplasmic differences between anuran and urodele embryonic cells.In most cases, transplanted cells tended to form a tissue complex distinct from the host tissues. This naturally decreased the opportunity for cell intermingling and consequently reduced the chances for fusions between graft and host myoblasts. Thus, there was a correlation between the extent of dispersion of the transplanted cells and the frequency of chimeric myotubes. Nevertheless, in each experimental series, a number of multinucleate myotubes emerged consisting of nuclear and cytoplasmic components of both graft and host cells. These chimeric myotubes, which must have originated by multiple cell fusions of anuran and urodele cells, (1) retained their distinct nuclear differences, (2) displayed resorption of both anuran and urodele yolk platelets, and (3) contained cross-striated myofibrils. The function of these chimeric cells, their synthesis of myofibrils, and the apparent lack of free intermingling at the cellular level, are discussed.

Notes: (1) The frontal wall of the encrusting cheilostome, Watersipora arcuata is a one-layered, evenly perforated calcareous shield which subdivides the metacoel into two compartments, the perigastric coelom and the hypostega. These compartments communicate through four and six “intrazoidal septulae” at the corners of the frontal wall. (2) The frontal wall develops by apposition independently of the ectocystal epitheca. The ascus develops as an invagination of the epitheca. These observations are consistent only with the view that the frontal wall of this species is a cryptocyst. (3) The terms “tremocyst,” “olocyst,” and “pleurocyst” are poorly understood and ambiguously defined; they should not be used until more information is available. (4) The taxa Anasca, Ascophora, Ascophora Imperfecta, and Ascophora Vera are polyphyletic and should ge dropped and replaced by Silén's (1942) more natural taxa. Silén's Cryptocystidea should be enlarged to include Watersipora and related ascusbearing cheilostomes.

Notes: A mass of pineal tissue has been observed associated with the habenular commissure and the apex of the pineal recess in the golden hamster. Previously, it had been thought that all of the pineal system in the hamster was located at the confluence of sinuses just beneath the skull. To distinguish the two components of the pineal system, that in the dural position is called the superficial pineal and the mass associated with the habenular commissure is called the deep pineal.

Notes: Ovarian changes during the reproductive cycle of the oviparous garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) are described. It ovulates from last week of June to first week of September but most often in July and August when the monsoon occurs. The number of eggs ovulated vary from 10 to 32. After ovulation, the ovaries are reduced in size. From October to May, the ovaries contain small pre-vitellogenic follicles, which increase in size in June when most of yolk deposition occurs. Several nuclei are seen in the ooplasm of pre-vitellogenic follicles; they are finally absorbed before yolk deposition starts. Follicular atresia generally occurs in follicles with polymorphic granulosae, in post-ovulatory ovaries. Presumably interstitial gland cells are formed by the hypertrophy of the theca interna cells of atretic follicles. Pre-ovulatory follicles have highly vascularized thecae and invaginations of the follicular epithelium. After ovulation, the follicle cells hypertrophy to form the luteal cell mass filling the follicular cavity. Fibroblasts, which appear to arise from the theca interna, invade the luteal cell mass and form septa. Capillaries occur in the luteal cell mass.

Notes: The adventitia of the crayfish heart consists of about five layers of uninucleated cells that often contain large amounts of glycogen. The outer and inner boundaries of the adventitia are represented by amorphous, homogeneous layers that are rich in neutral and acidic carbohydrates.The myocardium has a trabeculated appearance, due to the branching and anastomosing of the muscle cells. Studies on the localization of various oxidative enzymes show that the mitochondria are contained principally in the cell periphery and the myofibrils in the cell core. Intercalated discs appear as dark, irregular lines that traverse the muscle cell at a level that corresponds to that of a Z band. The myocardial cells branch and radiate from loci that are formed either by a single stellate cell or by the common end-to-end junctions (intercalated discs) of several cells. The function of these loci is discussed.The local cardiac nervous system consists of a Y-shaped ganglionic trunk that contains eight large anterior and eight small posterior nerve cells.

Notes: Eleven different adult anuran species were observed for the presence or absence of the lymphomyeloid complex (LMI-7). The organs were compared with those of Rana catesbeiana, which were recently studied extensively. Three species (Kassina senegalensis, Bufo boreas and Bufo powerii) did not have any LM organs; six species, i.e., Hypopachus pearsei, Phrynomerus bifasciatus, Rana montezumae, Rana pipiens, Hyla arborea and Bufo marinus, had jugular bodies (LM3); Hyla had also procoracoid bodies (LM7); Bufo marinus had, in addition to LM3 and LM7, another pair that did not have any counterpart to those already reported. The two remaining species possessed entirely different sets of LM organs. Xenopus melleri had large, paired hemal nodes attached to the ventral surface of the laterorostral portion of the hyoid cartilage on either side of the midline and a lymphoid follicle in the neighboring connective tissue. The hemal nodes had a nodular cortex surrounding a nonnodular medulla; no lymphatic sinuses were found inside nor lymphatic vessels associated with these organs. Hemisus marmoratum had paired, small corpora subdermale that were partially overlapped by the depressor mandibulae. These were small, thickly encapsulated, well-vascularized lymphoid bodies. The organs in the six species were characterized as thinly encapsulated, highly vascularized, non-nodular lymphatic tissues; some were lymphomyeloid. The LM organs of starved Rana pipiens and Rana montezumae, in contrast to those of well-fed ones, were smaller and without fat cells. Lymphomyeloid organs of hibernating Rana catesbeiana were no different than those of non-hibernating frogs.

Notes: Pygidial defence glands, which are universal in Caraboidea, are paired, cuticular invaginations of the body wall.In Pterostichus madidus F. the glands contain a nauseous, corrosive secretion that can be discharged forcibly to deter attack by predators. The cells producing the secretion are of one type only. Electronmicroscopy shows that the ducts which drain these cells are not intracellular but are separated from the cell contents by a plasma membrane. The cuticular walls of the duct appear to effectively screen the cell from the disruptive effect of its final products of secretion. The duct-carrying epidermal cells which are modifications of the epidermis covering the rest of the gland support the ducts from the secretory vesicles to their entry into the central lumen of each secretory lobe. There is a single duct-carrying cell around each duct.

Notes: The cyclic changes in the testis of the five-spined stickleback Eucalia inconstans (Kirtland) were studied histologically. Specimens were trapped between July 1965 and July 1967 in a shallow pond near London, Ontario.A three-dimensional microscopic study showed a main vas deferens and a system of primary, secondary and tertiary tubules.The testis cycle was divided into seven arbitrary stages. Spawning takes place from mid-April to mid-July. This is followed by the division of primary spermatogonia which are located along the walls of the tubules, producing cysts of spermatogonia enclosed in connective tissue which is surrounded by a thin epithelium. Both primary and secondary spermatocytes develop within these cysts. Breakdown of the cysts occurs with the development of spermatids and spermiogenesis occurs while spermatids are free in the tubules. Over-wintering of mature sperm takes place. Development of mature sperm from primary spermatogonia takes about 156 days.Germinal epithelium is absent but primary germ cells are believed to be those cells occupying the spaces between the tubules of the testis. No tissue which might be implicated in hormone production was observed.Phagocytic invasion of the testis has been studied. Massive infiltration by phagocytes is believed to be responsible for the sudden increase in testis weight observed during spawning. These cells ingest sperm nuclei and groups of them have been observed in the lumen of the tubules and the vas deferens, probably on their way out of the body.

Notes: A correlation of autoradiographic and histochemical data indicates that the type I and II pulmonary epithelial cells are endodermally-derived; and, that the interstitial pulmonary cells are mesodermally-derived. Tritiated thymidine (T-H3) was found to be an excellent cell marker for in vivo developmental studies of mammalian (rat) lung. At a dose of 3 μc per gm (specific activity, 15.6-16.9 c per mM) maternal body weight, T-H3 crosses the placenta in amounts sufficient to effect heavy labeling of dividing cells. A partial placental barrier to T-H3 was found in late stages of development. Following an injection of T-H3 on day 16 of gestation, a higher rate of endodermal cell division was reflected by higher labeling indices and a steeper slope of the endodermal dilution curve as opposed to the mesoderm. This differential in labeling was maintained through the third postnatal day. Neonatal labeling patterns of the definitive cell types (type I and II pulmonary epithelial cells, interstitial pulmonary cells) reflected those of their germ layer precursors.Histochemical analysis of the developing rat lung demonstrated large accumulations of cytoplasmic glycogen in areas of rapid cell division (endodermal cells). As the mitotic rate decreased and cellular differentiation progressed, glycogen decreased; postnatally it is not a feature of mature pulmonary cell types.

Notes: Study of a series of embryos showed that the spiroboloid leg arrangement (1 pair of legs on each of the first 5 segments) is derived from the typical leg arrangement (no legs on segment 1, 1 pair on segments 2 through 4, and 2 pairs on segment 5) by a shifting forward one segment of the first four pairs of legs.A careful re-examination of the literature, especially papers by Robinson ('07), Silvestri ('03, '49), Pflugfelder ('32), and Manton ('61), combined with observations of Narceus embryos led to the conclusion that (1) the anterior body segments are primatively single (2) the gnathochilarium is composed of only one pair of mouthparts, the diplopod head having but two gnathal segments, and (3) the intercalary segment is present in the Diplopoda.