ALBERT

Notes: Summary Enteroendocrine cells containing glucagon-, substance P-, neurotensin- and VIP-like substances have been demonstrated immunocytochemically in the gut of Barbus conchonius. Mainly based on the distribution of the immunoreactive endocrine cells in this and a previous* study, at least eight different enteroendocrine cell types appear to be present in this stomachless fish: 1. C-terminal-gastrinimmunoreactive cells*, predominantly present in the upper parts of the folds of the proximal part of the intestinal bulb. 2. Metenkephalin-immunoreactive cells*, basally located in the folds of the first segment. 3. Pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-immunoreactive cells*, mainly present in the first half of the first segment. 4. Glucagon-like-immunoreactive (GLI) cells that are basally located in the folds of the first segment and that contain a different polypeptide (possibly glicentin) than pancreatic glucagon cells. 5. Substance P-immunoreactive cells, present in the upper parts of the folds throughout the gut. 6. C-terminal-neurotensin-immunoreactive cells, basally located in the folds throughout the first segment. 7. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive cells, present in small numbers in the proximal part of the intestinal bulb. 8. Nonspecifically-immunoreactive cells*, found throughout the intestinal bulb. Many VIP-immunoreactive nerves have been demonstrated in the smooth muscle layer and myenteric plexus of the gut; furthermore some of them are peptide histidineisoleucine (PHI)-immunoreactive. Substance P-, somatostatin-, neurotensin- and met-enkephalin-immunoreactive nerves are also found. Thus, at least partial sequences of four different mammalian neuropeptide hormones (VIP, substance P, neurotensin, met-enkephalin) occur both in endocrine cells and enteric nerves of the gut of B. conchonius.

Notes: Summary In the pars distalis of the hypophysis of adult Rana temporaria, three types of nerve-fiber profiles were found at two distinct sites, in both lateral parts of the bordering regions of the anterior lobe with the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis. The first type of nerve-fiber profile consists of bundles of very fine axonal elements (diameter: 〈0.7 μm). The second type is formed by larger nerve fibers (diameter up to 4 μm) containing a few neurosecretory granules of approximately 100 nm. The third type of nervefiber profile resembles the second type but these nerve fibers make synaptoid contacts on at least two different types of glandular cells. The possible functional significance of these nerve fibers in the pars distalis is discussed. No nerve fibers were found (1) in the central part of the bordering region of the pars distalis with the intermediate lobe, (2) at the bordering region with the median eminence and (3) with the neurohypophysial stalk, and (4) in all other parts of the pars distalis.

Notes: Summary In the mouse, nerves were located throughout the trachea and extrapulmonary bronchi in both the smooth muscle and the connective tissue. However, no nerves were found within the epithelium. In the smooth muscle there were large numbers of nonmyelinated nerves. These were usually ‘en passant’ elements but varicosities containing small mitochondria and vesicles were also seen; these axons sometimes appeared to be efferent to the muscle. Unilateral cervical vagotomy reduced the numbers of nerves in the muscle of the trachea and ipsilateral primary bronchus, suggesting that they were afferent. The intramuscular nerves were characterized in terms of their complement of cytoplasmic organelles; in particular nerves containing many mitochondria disappeared following vagotomy. Pretreatment of mice with 5-hydroxydopamine to accentuate the electron-opacity of catecholamine-containing granules resulted in 3.5% of the nerves within tracheal muscle showing such granules. The afferent nerves of the smooth muscle may be complex branching structures with many varicosities. The absence of epithelial nerves may be related to the absence of the cough reflex in the mouse.

Notes: Summary The fine structure of the collecting tubules of the trout and killifish kidney was studied. These tubules are surrounded by layers of smooth muscle cells which are commonly innervated. The nerve terminals contain synaptic vesicles and, occasionally, a few dense-cored granules as well. Capillaries occur in the connective tissue space between these smooth muscle cells and the collecting tubule. Epithelial cells of the collecting tubules contain abundant mitochondria and a well developed membrane system displaying parallel arrays, and were considered to be actively involved in the transport of materials. In the trout, the collecting tubules contain peculiar cells in addition to regular tubule cells. The fine structure of these peculiar cells is highly reminiscent of that of gill chloride cells. The significance of these findings may be summarized as follows: If the smooth muscles around the collecting tubule contract under neural influence, intratubular pressure may be increased and, thus affect glomerular filtration rate. The contraction of these muscles may also cause the collapse of peritubular capillaries, affecting the transport activity of tubule cells.

Notes: Summary Axons in the duodenum, ileum and rectum of the domestic fowl were identified as catecholamine-containing (CA) on the basis of positive reactivity following chromaffin fixation for electron microscopy. CA-axons in association with blood vessels in all regions of the intestine and in non-vascular sites in the small intestine had a ‘ typical’ adrenergic appearance, in that they contained many small granular vesicles (SGV) and variable numbers of large granular vesicles (LGV). In the rectum the non-vascular CA-axon profiles were atypical, in that there were many elongated LGV and few SGV, and the chromaffin reactivity was weak. The nerve profiles in the rectum were dramatically reduced following 6-hydroxydopamine and reserpine treatment and were absent in rectum cultured in the absence of extrinsic ganglia. It was concluded that the profiles, in spite of their low chromaffin reactivity, truely represent CA-axons. The possibility was raised that the atypical morphology and reduced chromaffin reactivity is due to the presence of adrenaline.

Notes: Summary The aluminium-formaldehyde (ALFA) histofluorescence method reveals an extensive plexus of brilliant greenish monoaminergic elements in the glandular zones of the Mytilus foot, while only scanty nerve fibres are acetylcholinesterase-positive. By electron microscopy, bundles of nerve fibres can be seen i) in close connection with the intrinsic musculature located in the connective septa among the glands, and ii) near the cell bodies and necks of all the byssus glands. The nerve fibres show varicosities containing three types of vesicles: small clear (50–60 nm), small granular (80–90 nm), and large granular (160–200 nm). The regions of close apposition between nerve terminals and muscle or gland cells generally do not show typical pre- or postsynaptic specializations. Along the pedal groove, mainly in the proximal two thirds of the foot, peripheral bipolar neurons can be detected, both by fluorescence and electron microscopy.

Notes: Summary The physiological, pharmacological and morphological characteristics of guinea-pig vas deferens supplied by hypogastric nerves rendered inactive by decentralisation were compared with those of vas deferens in which the nerve supply had been chronically stimulated for 3–9 days using implanted electrodes. No change was seen in decentralised preparations prior to 7 days, but from 8–15 days, increased sensitivity to application of noradrenaline in vitro was observed, which was shown to be related to reduced transmitter uptake by nerve terminals as well as to an increase in postjunctional sensitivity; there was also increased fatigability 7–14 days following decentralisation. Continuous stimulation of hypogastric nerves at 2 Hz for 4–8 h daily for 4–8 days resulted in enhanced transmitter uptake and reduced responses to noradrenaline; this was associated with a slight increase in noradrenaline content and a faster adrenergic neuromuscular response with a shorter latency. No appreciable changes in nerve or muscle structure studied by electron microscopy were observed following decentralisation, but there was an increase of between 12.5 and 29.6% in the number of close (〈 100 nm) neuromuscular junctions following chronic stimulation for 8 days.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the pineal organ was studied in 26 avian species under particular consideration of comparative aspects. A population of nerve cells and their pinealofugal (afferent) fiber systems were stained by means of the acetylcholinesterase method, while catecholamine-containing pinealopetal (efferent) fibers were demonstrated with the use of the glyoxylic acid method. Afferent axons were mainly found in the postero-proximal portion of the organ, and the patterns of their distribution were classified into three groups according to the characteristic densities of the reaction product. The number of acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons in the avian pineal organs examined in this study varied extremely from species to species, ranging from 0 to 362. Catecholamine-containing nerve fibers penetrating the antero-lateral walls of the pineal follicles accompanied blood vessels and were arranged more densely in the distal portion of the organ, in contrast to the distribution of the acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibers. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the distributional patterns of both types of neural projections was performed for the pineal organ of every avian species examined. In avian species possessing a relatively conspicuous afferent projection, such as Passeriformes, Nycticorax, and Milvus, terminals of catecholamine-containing nerve fibers were observed exclusively in the interfollicular and perivascular tissues. In Galliformes, which display only few pineal afferents, catecholamine-containing fibers terminate not only in the interfollicular space, but also in the neuroepithelial parenchyma. The regional differences in the innervation in the avian pineal organ suggest that the pinealocytes ranging from more sensory-like to more secretory-like elements are arranged in a mosaic-like pattern.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the uterus in the ovoviviparous urodele Salamandra salamandra was studied. In whole mount preparations of the thin-walled uterus of pregnant females, a dense adrenergic network was demonstrated using a modified glyoxylic acid fluorescence technique. Based on vesicle type and cytochemical reactivity after chromate/dichromate fixation for electron microscopy at least two types of neural process were distinguished and classified as adrenergic and cholinergic. Both types are preferentially situated above or between the smooth muscles of the uterine tissue. Adjacent to the muscles in the walls of arterioles mainly adrenergic fibers are seen. Using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in tissue homogenates of uterus a considerable amount of noradrenaline could be identified. The significance of the dense innervation is discussed with respect to the function of the uterus during pregnancy and birth.

Notes: Summary The manner by which motor neurons exert control over the distribution and number of acetylcholine receptors, and muscle development was investigated in the superior oblique muscle of white Peking duck embryos. Clusters of receptors in the normally developing muscle first appeared on day 10 of incubation as determined with I125 α-bungarotoxin autoradiography. The initial appearance of receptor clusters coincided with the arrival of motor nerve fibers in the muscle. Clusters of receptors also appeared in normal fashion in muscles made aneural by destruction of motor neurons on day 7. But after day 14 these clusters had disappeared and no new clusters were seen thereafter in the aneural muscle. Receptor clusters persisted throughout development in muscle in which neuromuscular transmission was blocked with either curare or botulinum toxin and in muscles denervated on day 10.5, i.e., shortly after the initial nerve-muscle contact but prior to the onset of muscle activity. A progressive increase in the total number of receptors and in the total amount of protein occurred during the course of normal development. However, the specific activity of the receptor protein declined sharply following innervation on day 10. The total number of receptors and the specific activity of the receptor was affected depending on whether the motor neurons were destroyed before or after innervation and following chronic blockade of neuromuscular transmission. The half-life of the receptor protein was similar in normal, aneural, and paralyzed muscles (26, 25, 26 h, respectively). Measurements of total protein indicated that essentially no muscle growth occurred in the complete absence of innervation. Paralyzed muscles continued to develop but at a slower pace.

Notes: Summary An observation of intimate nerve-Purkinje fibre associations in false tendons of sheep heart is reported. Nerve bundles were observed in deep clefts of Purkinje fibres, in channels running between coupled Purkinje cells and embedded within Purkinje cells, as well as in the outer connective tissue sheath. Most nerve terminals in these areas were filled with small clear vesicles and a few large dense-cored vesicles. Only a few axons with many small dense-cored vesicles were observed. Intimate associations (separation, 60 to 90 nm) between the Purkinje cell and nerve varicosity were observed in the deep clefts. Similar close appositions were also present where nerves were embedded in Purkinje cells. In these cases the Purkinje cell enclosing the nerve bundle formed intercellular junctions with its own sarcolemma. Elaborate sarcolemmal folds with multi-vesicular bodies were also frequently observed near nerve bundles and varicosities. The identity of the transmitter is unknown although the nerves forming intimate associations with Purkinje cells have a morphology typical of cholinergic nerves.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the dorsal aorta and renal vasculature in the toad (Bufo marinus) has been studied with both fluorescence and ultrastructural histochemistry. The innervation consists primarily of a dense plexus of adrenergic nerves associated with all levels of the preglomerular vasculature. Non-adrenergic nerves are occasionally found in the renal artery, and even more rarely near the afferent arterioles. Many of the adrenergic nerve profiles in the dorsal aorta and renal vasculature are distinguished by high proportions of chromaffin-negative, large, filled vesicles. Close neuromuscular contacts are common in both the renal arteries and afferent arterioles. Possibly every smooth muscle cell in the afferent arterioles is multiply innervated. The glomerular capillaries and peritubular vessels are not innervated, and only 3–5% of efferent arterioles are accompanied by single adrenergic nerve fibres. Thus, nervous control of glomerular blood flow must be exerted primarily by adrenergic nerves acting on the preglomerular vasculature. The adrenergic innervation of the renal portal veins and efferent renal veins may play a role in regulating peritubular blood flow. In addition, glomerular and postglomerular control of renal blood flow could be achieved by circulating agents acting via contractile elements in the glomerular mesangial cells, and in the endothelial cells and pericytes of the efferent arterioles. Some adrenergic nerve profiles near afferent arterioles are as close as 70 nm to distal tubule cells, indicating that tubular function may be directly controlled by adrenergic nerves.

Notes: Summary The distribution pattern of adrenergic fibres innervating the ocular choroid membrane of the chicken was studied by means of fluorescence and electron microscopy. In addition, the origin of these fibres was investigated after superior cervical ganglionectomy. Adrenergic axons reach the choroid, partly forming the perivascular plexuses and partly running in the choroid nerves and the choroidal branches of the ciliary nerves. The axon terminals distribute to the smooth muscle cells of the arterial wall and to the extensive system of smooth muscle cells of the intervascular stroma. After unilateral ganglionectomy, fluorescent fibres almost completely disappeared, and degenerative changes could be observed in the terminal varicosities on both smooth muscle cell populations. These findings suggest that the adrenergic axons either originate from neurones within the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion, or pass through this ganglion. The persistence of normal terminals in short- and long-term ganglionectomised animals shows that the vasal and intervascular muscle cells of the choroid membrane are provided with both an adrenergic and a cholinergic innervation.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the caudal neurosecretory system of Poecilia sphenops (black molly) was studied by use of the retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. The structure of the caudal neurosecretory system in this species was well suited for application of HRP procedures. Acrylamide/HRP gel implants were placed in the nucleus of the caudal neurosecretory system. Two neuronal groups which contained HRP filled cells were found in the brain stem. Bilateral projections originate from the dorsal tegmentum of the midbrain and the reticular nucleus of the medulla.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the intestinal wall in the teleosts Myoxocephalus and Pleuronectes was examined electron microscopically. Two classes of axons can be identified. The first, which is in the majority, contains numerous 50–150 nm granular vesicles as well as some 40–50 nm agranular vesicles while the second contains predominantly the 40–50 nm agranular vesicles. Chromate/dichromate staining methods suggest that the first type is aminergic. Both types lie in close association with the perikarya of intrinsic myenteric neurons but only axons containing predominantly agranular vesicles have synaptic membrane specialisations. No axon bundles pass into the longitudinal muscle layer in Myoxocephalus gut and though some do in Pleuronectes, they do not closely approach the smooth muscle cells. Axons containing large granular vesicles lie in intimate contact with the myocytes of the circular muscle layer. Both axon types pass through the submucosa to form a plexus underneath the mucosal epithelium. Varicosities containing agranular or granular vesicles are separated from the epithelial cells by a gap of about 200 nm in which lies a basal lamina.

Notes: Summary The endocardium of Oniscus asellus L. and Asellus aquaticus L. consists of lipid cells. The epicardium consists of a layer of cells with a vesiculated cytoplasm covered by a thick extracellular fibrous sheet. The myocardium is a single layer of cells, the sarcolemma invaginates at Z disc level forming transverse tubules, and longitudinal tubules branch off from these. At the A-I level' longitudinal tubules form transverse systems, which form couplings with the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The sarcoplasmic reticulum appears as perforated sheets enveloping the myofibrils. Two types of nerve terminal are found: one is embedded in a myocardial cell process, the other lies in a myocardial cell depression. They contain clear and dense-cored synaptic vesicles.

Notes: Summary The uranaffin reaction in rat anococcygeus muscle, which receives a dual innervation of both adrenergic and non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerves was examined. Dense reaction product was observed in the vesicular membranes and/or the cores of some synaptic vesicles in the adrenergic nerve terminals. Occasional vesicles were filled up with dense reaction product. In the prominent population of small clear vesicles, however, no dense reaction product was observed. The number of small granular vesicles in the adrenergic nerve terminals was markedly increased after the administration of 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA). These granular vesicles were moderately stained with uranaffin deposit on the cores but their limiting membranes possessed no uranaffin deposit at all. In the non-adrenergic nerve terminals, on the other hand, uranaffin deposit of variable density was observed on the cores of large granular vesicles but never on their limiting membranes or on the small clear vesicles. There was no change in the axon profiles after the administration of 5-OHDA. The possible occurrence of purines in the cores of large granular vesicles in the non-adrenergic nerves is discussed.

Notes: Summary A histomorphological and histochemical study was made on the nerve supply to the apocrine sweat glands in the general hairy skin of the goat. In harmony with the previous report that the sweat glands in the goat are functionally under the control of sympathetic nervous system, the present study clearly demonstrates cholinesterase-reactive nerve fibers that closely surround the secretory portion of these glands in most of the hairy skin area, though the nerve network is fairly coarse. Analysis with cholinesterase inhibitors indicated that the sudomotor nerves in the goat contain both specific and non-specific cholinesterase.

Notes: Summary In the present study the central innervation of the guinea-pig pineal gland was investigated. The habenulae and the pineal stalk contain myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fibres with few dense-cored and electron-lucent vesicles. Some myelinated fibres leave the main nerve fibre bundles, lose their myelin-sheaths and terminate in the pineal gland. Although direct proof is lacking, the non-myelinated fibres appear to end near the site where the bulk of the myelinated fibres are located. Here a neuropil area exists where synapses between non-myelinated fibre elements are abundant. Neurosecretory fibres were also seen. The results support the concept of functional interrelationships between hypothalamus, epithalamus and the pineal gland.

Notes: Summary The buccal mass retractor muscles of Philine aperta are unusual in possessing a system of transverse tubules in what are in other respects typical unstriated muscle fibres. The tubules are formed from invaginations of the sarcolemma that penetrate up to 9 μm radially into the fibre. There is some indication that the tubules are zoned at certain points along the fibre. Physiologically, the outer membrane of the muscle fibre does not support an action potential, and the fibre contracts by summation of small twitches in response to individual excitatory junction potentials. Neuromuscular junctions occur in shallow grooves along the surface of the fibres. They contain 3 types of vesicles; clear, intermediate and dense-cored. A scheme suggesting how striated muscle may be derived from the unstriated condition is described.

Notes: Summary In the teleost fish, Gillichthys mirabilis, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity is present in some nerve fibres of the principal pancreatic islet and surrounding tissues, the vagus and splanchnic nerves, the coeliac ganglion and the wall of the intestine. The nerves of the pancreatic islet that contain VIP-like immunoreactivity probably correspond to one of the two types of non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic (peptidergic) nerve previously described in this fish. Similarities in the localisation of hormonal peptides in fish and mammals suggest that the regulation of gastroenteropancreatic physiology in fish may resemble that of mammals.

Notes: Summary The pars intermedia (PI) of the rat adenohypophysis was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy after conventional staining as well as ruthenium red staining, and after systemic injection of horseradish peroxidase. The studies disclose a complex and constant system of two channel types (Type I and Type II channels) formed by PI cells with specific relationships to a very rich nerve supply, to each other, and to a stellate cell type proposed here to represent an element of neuroglia. The channel system could perform a function in the movement of fluids and solutes within the PI which is virtually avascular in the rat as well as in other mammals.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of the vesicle-containing axon profiles in the myenteric ganglia of the guinea-pig stomach was studied in specimens fixed by vascular perfusion and in specimens fixed by immersion in cold fixative after incubation in 5-hydroxydopamine. Three major types of vesicle-containing axon profile were identified in the ganglia: 1. Profiles containing numerous small, mainly spherical vesicles and only limited numbers of large dense-cored vesicles. In perfusion-fixed specimens, the small vesicles in these profiles were all clear. In specimens fixed by immersion after incubation in 5-hydroxydopamine, the profiles could be divided into three types: a) profiles containing small clear vesicles; b) profiles containing small dense-cored vesicles; c) profiles in which the small vesicles contained a peripheral rim of dense material. In these profiles, large vesicles which contained dense cores were rare. The mean diameter of the vesicles in the profiles was also significantly higher than in the profiles containing small clear vesicles. 5. Profiles containing flattened membrane-bounded structures. Reconstructions prepared from serial sections suggested that these structures represented sections through networks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum-like tubules rather than flattened vesicles. 6. Profiles containing many large dense-cored vesicles and few small clear vesicles. In perfusion-fixed specimens, the diameter of the dense-cored vesicles in these profiles was significantly higher than in the type 1 profiles. Type 1 a and type 1 c profiles were much more numerous than either type 2 or type 3 profiles, and type 1 b profiles were few. Synaptic junctions were found in association only with type 1 a profiles. Type 1 a and type 1 b profiles resembled cholinergic and adrenergic axon terminals. The remaining profiles may represent the terminals of different forms of peptidergic axon or of other as yet unidentified types of axon.

Notes: Summary The sternocostalis muscle of the rat provides an ideal preparation for examination of neuromuscular junctions in a whole mount. It contains all three morphological end plate types (A, B and C), and its segmental innervation allows ease of experiment, such as partial denervation. The ratio of end plate types remains constant in all individuals of the same age, and there is no variation in this ratio over different regions of the same muscle. Spontaneous sprouting was observed from end plates of all the animals examined: again the ratio of sprouting end plate types remained constant over all muscles examined, and over all regions of the same muscle.

Notes: Summary Qualitative and quantitative studies were made to determine the amount of nerve fiber supplying corpora lutea (CL) of rats during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy and sow CL during days 4–6 after ovulation. Fluorescence microscopy of freeze-dried, paraformaldehyde treated (Falck-Hillarp method) rat ovaries reveals adrenergic nerve fibers which run along with vessels and form a network among interstitial gland cells. Nerve fibers do not enter the granulosa cell layer in follicles or CL. In the CL circumference both vascular and non-vascular nerves occur the latter being related to the fibromuscular layer and probably innervating smooth muscle cells. No striking differences exist between the innervation of the ovary in non-pregnant and pregnant rats. Bodian and methylene blue staining did not contribute to a more detailed knowledge of rat ovary nerve supply. Electron microscopic quantitative analysis of rat and pig CL (rat: day 18 of pregnancy; pig: day 4–6 after ovulation) revealed no axon profiles in 2.000 grid squares (one square measuring 2.25×10-2 mm2) of randomly taken CL sections. Thus it was possible to calculate an upper limit of 133 μm of nerve fibers per 1 mm3 CL tissue, in case there were any at all.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the pituitary gland of Carassius auratus was studied by light and electron microscopy under various physiological and experimental conditions to investigate whether or not neurosecretory fibres play a role in regulating pars distalis function. Two types of neurosecretory fibre (Type A and Type B) were distinguished. Prolactin, ACTH and TSH1 cells were innervated by Type B fibre terminals separated from the endocrine cells by a continuous basal lamina (“indirect contacts”). Gonadotropic, STH and TSH2 cells were innervated by Type A as well as Type B neurosecretory fibres, mostly without an intervening basal lamina (“direct contacts”). The assessment of the amount of neurosecretory granules and microvesicles in nerve terminals during the pre-spawning, spawning and postspawning seasons and following the administration of Oestradiol, Thyroxine, Thiourea and Metopiron respectively revealed convincing evidence for a participation in pars distalis control for Type A and Type B fibres innervating gonadotropic cells and STH cells and Type B fibres innervating TSH2 and ACTH cells. Immediately after spawning both nerve fibre types innervating gonadotropic cells and Type A fibres innervating STH cells showed a striking decrease in the amount of dense core vesicles. During the spawning season nerve fibres innervating somatotropic cells, TSH2 cells and ACTH cells also undergo changes suggesting that prior to spawning major changes in the endocrine system of the goldfish take place.—These results point to a dual control, by peptides and amines, of teleost pars distalis function.

Notes: Summary Terminal axons emerging from the inner plexiform layer of the cat retina reach the wall of the arteria centralis retinae, as revealed by electron microscopy. Numerous unusually large dense core vesicles (about 1000 Å in diameter), of different electron densities, occur in the varicosities of these axons. These observations may be compatible with the idea of an innervation of the central artery of the retina which is non-autonomic, possibly intrinsic in nature.

Notes: Summary Neural elements within the parenchyma of the sebaceous gland have not been reported previously. Nerve endings have been observed only in the connective tissue surrounding the gland or in close association with the undifferentiated basal cells. In this study, electron microscopy revealed the possible presence of nerve endings (or terminal portions of neural elements) in the suprabasal level of functional sebaceous glands of pinnae of white rats. Morphologically, there are two distinct types of nerve endings. Type 1 is bordered by a membrane of relatively irregular contour and contains a single mitochondrion, various-sized vesicles, numerous microtubules, fine neurofilament-like fibrils, and occasional ribosome-like granules. Type II is also bordered by a membrane, but its contour was relatively smooth and rounded. Moreover, Type II contains many mitochondria, varying in size, density, and the arrangement of cristae. While ribosome-like granules are scattered throughout the structure in relative abundance, there are scarcely any fine neurofilament-like fibrils or microtubules. Whether these two structures are sensory or autonomic fibers could not be determined by electron microscopic examination.

Notes: Summary The salivary glands of the moth, Manduca sexta (Insecta: Sphingidae), are unlike most other salivary glands in that they are innervated from one source only. Vital staining of nerves with methylene-blue reveals numerous fine nerves extending to the glands from the oesophageal nerve, a part of the stomatogastric or visceral nervous system. Light and electron microscopy confirm that only the fluid-secreting cells, confined to a discrete region in these glands, are innervated. Axons with or without glial wrappings are found in intercellular spaces between fluid-secreting cells. Axons lacking a glial sheath contain, after glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide fixation, large granular and small agranular vesicles. In nerve endings in glands fixed with permanganate these smaller vesicles are granular, having the electron-dense cores characteristic of monoamine-containing neurons. These nerve endings with “synaptoid areas” are in close (“direct”) contact with the fluid-secreting cells.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the Purkinje fibres in the atrium of the heart of the adult fowl was investigated by light microscopy, using the Champy-Maillet OsO4-ZnI2 technique and the cholinesterase reaction and by electron microscopy. After impregnation of the tissue with OsO4-ZnI2, the dark-stained nerve fibres were clearly visible on the unstained Purkinje fibres. In the upper part of the posterior wall of the right atrium, the diffuse portion of the conducting system is especially richly innervated by varicose and smooth nerve fibres. Some of these fibres are cholinesterase-positive. The terminal axons run in the space between the Purkinje fibres and the fibrocytic envelope. They are either naked or accompanied by Schwann cell processes. In addition to varicosities containing granular vesicles, there are varicosities containing agranular vesicles with oval profiles. In the “en passant” synapses, the width of the synaptic cleft between a varicosity and the Purkinje cell is about 600 Å. The innervation of the Purkinje fibres appears more like the innervation of smooth muscle than that of striated skeletal muscle. The possible role of Purkinje fibres as mechanical receptors is discussed.

Notes: Summary The pathways of axonal transport of secretions from neurosecretory cells (NSC) in the medial group (viz. A-, A1, B-, and C-type NSC) and the lateral group (L-type NSC) are described. Individual axons can be recognized in the electron microscope by the kind of neurosecretory particles they contain. In general, the secretions from the medial NSC are carried to the contralateral nervi corporis cardiaci (NCC), those from the lateral NSC to the ipsilateral NCC. Some axons from the A-type NSC, in addition, may run to ipsilateral NCC. All A-type axons have collaterals which run to the ipsilateral NCC. The medial and lateral bundles of “mixed” axons run through one paired NCC but remain separated spatially. Release of secretion from the C-type NSC can take place before the corpus cardiacum is reached. A- and A1-type NSC have additional collaterals that branch from the proximal part of the axons and penetrate deeply into the neuropile of the protocerebral lobes. Local swellings appear to be closely associated with fibers from non-neurosecretory neurons. The sites of contact are characterized by the accumulation of microvesicles (400 Å) near an electron-dense cleft of 150–200 Å width, and resemble regular chemical synapses. The microvesicles prove to be present within the neurosecretory fiber in most of the specimens studied, and within the non-neurosecretory fiber in only a few cases. It seems most likely that the collaterals in some phases convey afferent signals to the NSC which inhibit the release of an efferent neurochemical “messenger” of unknown nature into the neuropile.

Notes: Summary The olfactory mucosa of frog has been studied at an ultrastructural level to confirm previous light microscope observations in regard to the presence, in the sensory epithelium, of nerve fibres not belonging to the first cranial nerve proper. It has been observed that both myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres are present in the lamina propria and that eventually these fibres terminate inside the epithelium. Unmyelinated fibres usually contain dark core vesicles and similar content is seen in their intraepithelium terminals. Terminals containing only clear vesicles are also observed in the epithelium and they are believed to represent the terminals of the myelinated fibres. The significance of these ultrastructural findings is discussed in view of their functional meaning.

Notes: Summary The Octopus iris is composed of five different layers: A, the external epithelium; B, the chromatophore layer; C, the iridocyte layer; D, the layer of muscles and collagen strands; E, the pigment epithelium. The nerves innervating the sphincter and the chromatophore muscles are identified and their neuromuscular junction is described. The motor endings of chromatophore nerves have an additional ending in presynaptic position which probably functions as a modifier of neuromuscular transmission. The chromatophores are naked and exhibit a tubular channel system between plasmalemma and pigment container which looks similar to the T-system of muscle cells.

Notes: Summary In the tortoise Testudo graeca, the lizards Lacerta dugesi and Lacerta pityusensis, and the snake Natrix natrix, the innervation of the testicular interstitial tissue was studied by light and electron microscopy, the acetylcholinesterase (ache) technique, the Falck-Hillarp method for the detection of catecholamines, and the application of 6-hydroxydopamine. The intertubular spaces of the reptilian testes studied contain adrenergic nerve fibers the amount and distribution of which varies considerably both in various species and in various stages of the reproduction cycle. Nerve fibers do not enter the seminiferous epithelium. Fluorescence microscopy of the lizard testis reveals catecholaminergic varicosities which are mainly arranged around blood vessels, but do not show obvious connexions to Leydig cells. Ache-positive fibers are equally distributed in lizard testes surrounding each seminiferous tubule. In Natrix natrix ache-positive fibers are irregularly spread among groups of tubules, without showing a definite relation to Leydig cells either. By electron microscopy bundles of unmyelinated axons and axon terminals can be more easily detected in the testes of immature animals than in adult. Terminals of nerve fibers containing small (400–500 Å in diameter) and large (800–1400 Å) dense-cored vesicles and sometimes small clear vesicles establish contacts with Leydig cells. Three types of contact are described. 1. “Contacts” par distance at a distance of about 2000 Å and basal lamina interposed; 2. membranous contacts having a 200 Å gap only between axolemma and Leydig cell plasmalemma; 3. invaginations of terminals into Leydig cell perikarya. The latter may exhibit surface specialisations, which strongly resemble postsynaptic membrane thickenings. Experiments using 6-hydroxydopamine underline the adrenergic character of testicular nerve fibers, which can be regarded as another example of non-cholinergic, ache-positive neurons. In the testis of the immature tortoise profiles of axons occur which probably represent purinergic, ache-positive neurons.

Notes: Summary Morphological evidence is presented supporting the possibility of basal secretion into hypendymal capillaries of the adult rabbit subcommissural organ (SCO). The synthetic apparatus of the SCO cell is described as well as the heterogeneous granules and vesicles which are concentrated in the basal processes bordering a widened perivascular space. The origin of the electron dense granules, of which two fairly distinct subgroups are found, is discussed. A binding of secretory sacs to the lateral plasma membrane is seen. The possibility of a lateral secretion is supported by the presence of a system of extracellular channels between SCO cells which are filled with a flocculent material resembling that of the secretory sacs. Nerve perikarya which are separated from the SCO by only a few glial fibers are demonstrated. Synapses are described in nerve fascicles bordering on the hypendymal capillaries. The possibility of an innervation of the hypendymal region is discussed as well as possible nervous connections with the pineal gland.

Notes: Summary The fine structure of the pancreatic nerves of the domestic fowl has been studied. Naked axon beadings were found in membranous contact with endocrine as well as exocrine cells. From an anatomical point of view it seems reasonable to suggest that the endocrine glands might be subjected to some influence of the autonomic nervous system.

Notes: Summary The penis retractor muscle of Helix pomatia is passed by thick nerve trunks, which probably are nerve nets. In the contracted muscle, they are folded meanderlike, in the extended they are pulled smooth. Four types of vesicles different in size and contents can be distinguished in the nerves. Varicose fibres accompany the muscle cells. Frequently the terminals are running in a groove of the muscle fibre. In certain axon types occur presynaptic accumulations of vesicles and thickenings of the terminal membrane. Terminal and muscle cell are separated by a cleft of 300 AE width. The muscle fibre membrane has no subsynaptic infoldings. Beside these axons thin, naked neurites are running through the connective tissue. They are characterized by a high content of neurotubuli. One part of the axons presumably possesses a monoaminergic transmitter. After the glutaraldehyde-dichromate-reaction they contain dense grana, whose diameters are mainly below 1000 AE. The nerve trunks fluoresce after exposure to paraformaldehyde vapour, excited with UV-light, green to green-yellow. The maximum of the excitation was determined at 413 nm and the maximum of emission at 496 respectively at 510 nm. It is concluded, that both, a catecholamine and 5-HT are responsible for the fluorescence. Extraction and paperchromatographic separation lead to the opinion, that the catecholamine is dopamine.

Notes: Summary The intrinsic innervation of the anterior byssal retractor muscle in Mytilus edulis L. has been demonstrated using Maillet's osmium-zinc iodide technique (ZIO). Grouped and isolated osmiophilic cells, thought to be neurons, and nerve fibers forming neuromuscular contacts and nerve endings, have been observed. When the period of fixation is not overly prolonged, glio-interstitial cells may also be distinguished.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of the pars intermedia (PI) of the normal VII +/+ and hereditary nephrogenic diabetes inspidus DI Os/+ mice has been studied with particular reference to the morphology of the glandular cells and their innervation. Four types of cells were observed in both the genotypes of mice, 1) the light glandular cell, 2) the dark cell, 3) a type of cell similar to ependymal cells and 4) a small percentage of typical ACTH cells, observed mostly on the PI border of the cleft and rarely in the centre of PI. The predominant light glandular cells contain mainly two types of membrane bound granules: 1) electron dense core granules, which measure 1500–2500 Å and 2) electron lucent vesicles, which measure 3000–4000 Å in diameter. Granules of intermediate size with various density are also present in both types of mice. The electron dense core granules are predominant in DI Os/+ mice, whereas, electron lucent vesicles are predominant in the normal VII +/+ mice. Similar uniform size membrane bound electron dense granules have been observed in ACTH cells of PI and pars distalis. From earlier experimental evidences and the present observations, it is concluded that the dense core granules in PI may be synthesizing ACTH or ACTH-like substance. It is also discussed that these dense core granules may further mature and give rise to MSH in the form of electron lucent vesicles. If it is so, PI light glandular cells may have dual functions, of producing MSH and ACTH. One of the functions of ependymal-like cells, may be the transport of PI secretion. Three types of nerve endings are observed throughout the PI, making synaptic contact with the predominant cell type. The innervation is more in DI Os/+ mice than in normal mice. The classification of these nerves is according to Bargmann and co-workers 1) peptidergic neurosecretory fibers, contain mainly membrane bound dense core granules, measuring 1200 to 1800 Å, and are the classic neurosecretory granules; 2) adrenergic fibers, measuring 700–900 Å; 3) cholinergic fibers, measuring 300–400 Å. Adrenergic and cholinergic fibers are more towards the hypophysial cleft. The increased innervation, the synaptic contact, the extremely hypertrophied PI and the greater activity of its light glandular cells in the DI Os/+ mice show the PI is under the influence of the nervous system.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the salt gland of the goose, the duck and the swan was investigated by means of electron microscopy. Axonal swellings were observed in relationship to secretory cells as well as to central duct cells. The terminals contain synaptic and densecored vesicles. There are no specialized pre- and postsynaptic membranes.

Notes: Summary The glandula infraorbitalis buccalis in rabbits represents the type of a tubuloacinar mucous secreting gland. The secretory product of gland cells is electron lucent. Extrusion generally is characterized by the formation of an opening at the cell surface and the discharge of the secretory material. Intercellular canaliculi are absent. Mitochondria and arrays of granular endoplasmic reticulum are more numerous than in other mucous glands of rabbits. Intercalated ducts are short and connect the tubules with intralobular ducts. Striated ducts are absent in the infraorbital gland. Nerve terminals occur in some instances between gland cells and between glandular and myoepithelial cells.

Notes: Summary The pars tuberalis of the hypophysis of Rana temporaria presents the general structural and the cytological characteristics of an endocrine gland. It is composed of elongated cells with long, branching processes ending on the external basement membrane of the pericapillary space. The pars tuberalis cells produce secretory granules which are accumulated in the pericapillary endings of the processes. Corresponding to its separate localization, the pars tuberalis of Rana temporaria has a separate vascularization of which the efferent capillaries anastomose with the capillary plexus of the median eminence. The general direction of the blood flow of the pars tuberalis is towards the capillaries of the median eminence. Also, the secretory products of the pars tuberalis pass into the blood stream of the hypophysial portal system. Several characteristics of the pars tuberalis show that its function must be different from that of the pars distalis of the hypophysis. Moreover, in contrast with the pars distalis, the activity of the pars tuberalis is not regulated by neurohumoral factors. The results show that a role of the pars tuberalis in the regulation of the activity of the pars distalis of the hypophysis is not excluded.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the adrenal cortex of the rat and the pig is investigated with the electron microscope. Nerve fibers containing synaptic and two types of dense-cored vesicles come into contact with endocrine cells. There are no specialized pre- and postsynaptic membranes. The synaptic cleft is about 200 Å wide. Generally the basement membrane between nerve and cell is absent. These observations are discussed on the base of more recent experimental findings. Small fibers having an average diameter of about 0.2 to 0.5 μ and containing only tubules and filaments are considered to represent parts of an afferent nervous system.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the mesenteric microvasculature was studied in fetal and neonatal rabbits with the aid of methods demonstrating fluorescence of catecholamines and cholinesterase activity as well as a silver impregnation procedure. The results showed that: (1) adrenergic nerve fibers were present, coursing independently in the mesentery by day twenty-one of gestation, and were found routinely in the adventitia of arterioles and venules by day 25 of gestation; (2) cholinesterase positive cells and fibers of the myenteric plexus were present by day 18 of gestation but cholinergic fibers were not present in the mesentery until day 26; the latter not being associated with blood vessels; and (3) nerve fibers in the mesentery thought to be sensory stained positively with the Holmes silver method on day 18 of gestation.

Notes: Summary Quantitative electron microscopic studies have been carried out on the human thymus. According to the equation L v =(2n)/F (Hennig, 1963) we have calculated that there is less than 0.204 mm nerve per 1 mm3 thymus tissue inside the blood-thymus-barrier (level of significance of 0.95). This result is compared to the degree of innervation in brown adipose tissue, which contains more than 160 mm nerve per 1 mm3 tissue. The biological significance of the paucity of neuronal elements in the thymus is undetermined.

Notes: Summary 1. The Harderian gland in rabbits, representing the type of a tubulo-alveolar gland, is located on the medial and posterior aspect of the eyeball and consists of two different parts, a small white lobe and a larger red one. The secretory cells in the tubular endpieces of both lobes are lipids containing cells. The lipid droplets can be stained with Sudan IV and Sudan black B. The luminal surface of both cell types is characterized by an alcianophilia at pH 2,5. 2. The tubules of both lobes have a single layer of columnar epithelium. The lipid vacuoles in the cells of the red lobe are large, these of the white lobe small. The multilocular cytoplasm of all cells contains many free ribosomes and high amounts of mitochondria lying very closely together. All cells exhibit numerous and large Golgi-zones but only few ergastoplasm membranes. 3. The lateral surfaces of the secretory cells are connected by elaborate junctional complexes (Zonulae occludentes, zonulae adhaerentes, desmosomes). These lateral surfaces are increased by intercellular canaliculi. 4. Before being released into the glandular lumen, the limiting membranes of adjacent lipid droplets fuse, thus forming a large lipid vacuole. Extrusion generally is characterized by the coalescence of the limiting membrane with the plasmalemma, the formation of an opening at the cell surface and the discharge of the secretory lipid material. In the course of another mechanism of extrusion, the fat vacuoles are transported to the apical part of the cell where consequently the plasmamembrane bulges into the lumen. Eventually the fat vacuole is pinched off surrounded by a thin cytoplasmic envelope. 5. Terminal fibers of the autonomic nervous system penetrate the basal membrane and can be found closely attached to the secretory or myoepithelial cells, partly by forming large swellings, which may be deeply embedded into the cytoplasm of the innervated cell. These terminal parts of the axons contain groups of synaptic and dense-cored vesicles, mitochondria and neurotubuli. Specific pre- and postsynaptic membranes have not been observed. The possible function of the harderian gland is discussed.

Notes: Summary Electron microscopic studies have been carried out on the innervation of the mammalian anterior pituitary and parathyroids. The total area of grid squares (2.25·10−2mm2) examined was 2000 per gland and species. In the pituitary pars distalis and in the parenchyma of the parathyroid gland we did not observe a single axon profile. According to the equation $$L_V = \frac{{2n}}{F}$$ proposed by Hennig (1963) we have calculated that there might be—if any—0.133 mm of nerves per 1 mm3 tissue in those two endocrine glands (level of significance 0.95). Comparing these results to the degree of innervation in brown adipose tissue containing more than 160 mm nerve per 1 mm3 tissue we can not imagine that such a small degree of innervation is of any biological importance. In the pituitary pars tuberalis two types of axon terminals have been found both inside and outside the basement membrane surrounding the epithelial complexes. One type contains “synaptic” and two populations of smaller dense-cored vesicles, the other one contains a population of larger granules which have some properties of the classical elementary granules. Further investigations have to clarify the functional significance of those nerve endings.

Notes: Summary Nerve fibers were demonstrated in the glycogen body of the avian lumbar spinal cord by using silver-impregnation and fluorescence microscopic (Falck-Hillarp) techniques. These nerve fibers originated from nuclear areas in lateral juxtaposition with the glycogen body. The fluorescence of the nuclear area was strongest near the polar regions of the glycogen body. It was suggested that the aminergic neurons of the avian lumbar spinal cord may influence the glycogen body. The avian glycogen body was compared with other storage sites of glycogen within the central nervous system.

Notes: Summary By means of electron microscopy “light” and “dark” pinealocytes can be distinguished in the guinea-pig pineal gland. Glial cells are rare. In the “light” pinealocyte. the most frequent cell type, some “vesicle-crowned rodlets” (VCR) show circumscribed thickenings. From these structures “vesicle-crowned balls” (VCB) have to be clearly distinguished. Furthermore “cylinders” occur, which, it is suggested, are precursors of VCB. “Dark” pinealocytes characterized by chromatin-rich nuclei and electron-dense cytoplasm are rare and contain fewer vesicles, VCR, VCB and “cylinders” than “light” pinealocytes. Numerous non-myelinated nerve fibres are situated within perivascular spaces, a few also in the parenchyma. Synapses between nerve fibres and pinealocytes were not observed. In the pineal gland of pregnant guinea-pigs the following changes can be observed in the second half of gestation. The “light” cells show many nuclear indentations and an increase of “active” zones, mitochondria, smooth ER, agranular vesicles, VCR, VCB, and “cylinders” respectively. The “dark” cells increase in number. After birth these changes reverse to normal within one week. Constant darkness leads to an activation of the “light” cells accompanied by an increase of the VCR and to an increase in number of the “dark” cells. Under constant illumination the “light” cells show a decrease of their organelles and a strong increase of the VCR. After 70 days the VCR also show a change in shape. Following reserpine treatment the VCR decrease in number and show signs of degeneration. It is discussed that the VCR function as pre- or postsynaptic structures and that they are involved either in transmitting impulses from nerve fibres to pinealocytes or from one pinealocyte to the other.

Notes: Summary This investigation is concerned with pineal organs of human embryos 60 to 150 days old. At every stage central nerve fibres enter the pineal organ by way of the habenular commissure, but are restricted to the pineal's proximal part. On about the 60th day of the development the sympathetic nervus conarii grows into the distal pole of the pineal organ from a dorso-caudal direction and plays the predominant part in the innervation of the pineal organ. After penetrating, it soon branches out and forms a network in the pineal tissue. Much later, not until the 5th embryonic month, sympathetic nerves appear accompanying the supplying vessels in the perivascular spaces. After a short time these nerves pierce the outer limiting basement membrane and penetrate the parenchyma. Towards the end of the 5th embryonic month the axons of the sympathetic nerves form varicosities containing clear and dense core vesicles. At this point large amounts of laminated granules appear primarily in cell processes, probably of pinealocytes. Isolated granules also occur in the varicosities of axons. The granules encountered here are most likely secretory granules.

Notes: Summary Nervous (sensory) pathways of the pineal complex were studied in Lampetra planeri. The following observations were made: (1) The pineal tract, containing more than 600 unmyelinated fibres, connects directly or indirectly to the posterior commissure. (2) Connections of the nervous region (NR) adjoining the parapinéal organ (“ganglion parapinéales” of Tretjakoff or “division of the left habenular ganglion” of Studnička) have been re-examined; our study shows that the rostral division of NR is connected to the parapineal organ by a short tract and to the left habenular ganglion (LHG) by a nervous layer (NL). The NR, NL, and LHG contain the same following elements: (1) A collection of typical neurones (which are rare in the NL) in an abundant meshwork of nerve fibres. (2) At least two main types of axons: (a) Type 1 axons, containing few granules (1,000–1,300 Å diameter). (b) Type 2 axons, containing numerous granules (900–2,500 Å diameter), and resembling neurosecretory axons. Type 2 axons are not observed in the pineal and parapinéal organs. (3) Axo-dendritic and axo-axonic(?) synapses. Our study concludes that NR and NL represent the rostral part of LHG; nevertheless, NR and NL may contain the parapinéal tract. The problem of possible incorporation of epithalamic elements (e.g., elements of the habenular ganglia) into the parapinéal and pineal organs in other animals has been considered phylogenetically.

Notes: Summary Umbilical vessels of guinea-pig fetuses were studied shortly before birth. In all umbilical cords investigated an innervation of the umbilical vessels is lacking. The intrafetal parts of the umbilical vessels on the other hand are richly innervated. A marked difference in the amount of nerve fibres and the pattern of innervation is found between artery and vein. The artery is supplied by a dense nerve plexus which spins around the media and which originates from nerve bundles within the outer adventitial layers. The comparatively scanty innervation of the vein exhibits a more coarsely meshed net pattern. The nerve bundles in the vein exhibit a close affinity to the vasa vasorum. Number and type of the close contacts between the muscle cells are different in the various sections of the umbilical vessels. Similar to the distribution of nerves they are almost absent in the vessels of the umbilical cord, numerously, however, in the intrafetal parts. Contrary to the innervation, the close contacts in the vein are developed more numerously and more broadly than in the corresponding artery.

Notes: Summary The development of adrenergic nerves to the anterior eye segment was studied in human and guinea-pig embryos. Adrenergic terminals had already appeared in the earliest human embryos available (4–6 cm). They first appeared mainly in nerve trunks in the primitive chorioid, especially in the region of the developing ciliary body. Adrenergic nerves then grow into different structures of the eye as these develop, but typical terminals in contact with effector cells appeared late during the development, about the 25–30 cm stage. No adrenergic nerves were observed in the chamber angle. Corneal adrenergic nerves (also intraepithelial terminals) appeared much more frequently in embryos than in adults. No adrenergic neurons were observed in the retina. In the guinea-pig, the first adrenergic fibres were observed at about gestation day 35. The general principle of the development was very similar to that of the humans. At gestation day 45 to 50, the supply of adrenergic fibres was essentially that of the adult animal, except that the corneal adrenergic fibres were increasing until just before birth and that the adrenergic terminals of the chamber angle appeared shortly before term.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the portal vein of the white rat was examined with light-, fluorescence-, and electronmicroscopic techniques. The results are as follows: 1. Paraldehyde treated vein preparations (Falck's fluorescence method) demonstrate a predominantly longitudinally orientated external nerve plexus, being situated on the outermost muscle cells. Near the liver the nerve net is characterized by broad meshes, near the intestinal tract by narrow ones. The circular subendothelial inner plexus originates in the outer plexus of the intestinal vascular bed. 2. Nerve bundles in the fibrous adventitia were demonstrated with Gomori's Acethylcholinesterase method. In other respects, the enzyme activity was only observed in the intercellular spaces of the muscle layer. The electronmicroscopic demonstration of Acetylcholinesterase (Karnovsky's method) further showed that the enzyme activity is restricted to the muscle cell membrane. 3. The electronmicroscopic examination verified the results obtained with fluorescence microscopic techniques. a) In the proximity of the liver, only isolated nerve bundles occur on the outer muscle layer. The individual nerves are entirely surrounded by Schwann cells. Only a few of the axons in the vicinity to the muscle cell have agranular vesicles. Evaginations of the vesicular axons occur infrequently. Their distance from the muscle cell amounts to 1000–2000 Å. b) In more than one thousand thin sections, no axons were found inside the thick muscular layer. c) Subendothelial axons (inner plexus) are either partially or totally evaginated from the Schwann cells. They are densely filled with empty vesicles (350–650 Å) and contain a few dense core vesicles of 800–1600 Å in diameter. Synaptic endings were not observed. d) A dense collection of vesicle-containing axons, that were partially in their entirety and partially only from the muscle cell proximal side evaginated from the Schwann cells, were observed in the single muscle layer at the junction of the superior mesenteric and the portal vein. From these bundles, smaller bundles and individual axons pass between the muscle cells and reach the endothelium. Typical synapses were not observed. No vesiclecontaining axon was nearer than 1000 Å to the muscle cell. 4. Those axons possessing vesicles and being evaginated are considered to be vegetative conducting pathways. The excitation of the effector structures by transmitter substances is discussed in connection with the post mortem autonomic vascular contractility.

Notes: Summary 1. There is a gradual proximo-distal increase in the thickness of the muscle coat of the human ductuli efferentes, duetus epididymidis and ductus deferens. Circularly arranged smooth muscle bundles predominate in the ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis of the caput section. Scanty strands of longitudinally and obliquely oriented smooth muscle bundles form an additional, incomplete outer muscle layer around the ductus epididymidis of the corpus. Small smooth muscle-like cells constitute the muscle elements of the upper sections of the excretory ducts (from the ductuli efferentes to the midcauda). At the transition of the corpus and cauda epididymidis ordinary large smooth muscle cells join the small contractile cells to form—in more distal sections of the cauda—a composed, thick subepithelial muscle coat. In most distal portions of the cauda, the two-layered muscle coat of the ductus epididymidis is transformed into a three-layered coat, a pattern of construction which is retained in the vas deferens. 2. Electron microscopically, three types of contractile cells are distinguished in the human ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis: a) contractile cells of medium transparency containing exclusively thin myofilaments (60 Å in diameter), b) dark contractile cells containing bundles of thin myofilaments (60 Å in diameter) and single coarse filaments (140 Å in diameter), c) light contractile cells with loosely dispersed, interweaving thin and thick myofilaments. Commutual diameter changes at regular intervals are seen in individual myofilaments, giving the impression of structural periodicity not unlike that of filaments of striated muscle. Ordinary smooth muscle cells of the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens are characterized by uniformly sized, closely packed but evenly distributed thin myofilaments with numerous dense patches. 3. Fluorescence microscopy performed on formaldehyde treated freeze dried tissues reveals that the contractile cells of the ductuli efferentes in man and monkey receive a low number of single adrenergic terminal fibres penetrating the depth of the muscle coat. The adrenergic innervation of the ductus epididymidis is restricted to small peritubular nerve fascicles running contiguous to the most superficially located bundles of smooth muscle-like cells. The adrenergic ground plexus is rather wide-meshed in the proximal cauda, becomes increasingly dense in more distal cauda sections and in initial, funicular portions of the vas deferens, and reaches maximum density in abdominal parts of the ductus. Perivascular and adventitial adrenergic plexuses are well developed at arteries of the caput and corpus epididymidis in man, monkey, rabbit, guinea-pig and rat. 4. Electron microscopically, noradrenergic nerves have been identified by the presence of small granular vesicles in preterminal varicose axon dilatations. Nerve fibre swellings filled with small empty spherical vesicles have been considered to belong to “cholinergic” neurons whereas occasional varicosities equipped with some large membrane bound granules and abundant mitochondria may represent local expansions of sensory axons. 5. Neuromuscular relationships in the upper sections of excretory ducts comprise adrenergic synapses by distance (more than 1000 Å), and a few intimate, ensheated close contacts, whereas the main type of contact of nerves to ordinary smooth muscle cells in the lower duct section is by means of close but not intimate approach (500–2000 Å). 6. Adrenergic synapses in the ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens of the monkey resemble—what concerns their morphology, relationship to effectors and distribution pattern—those of man. 7. In accordance with the total number of vascular and non-vascular adrenergic nerves, visualized by fluorescence microscopy, the amount of noradrenaline varied considerably in different sections of the human male internal genital organs: The lowest amounts were estimated in the testis (0.12±0.03 μg/g). Medium to high concentrations were detected in various sections of the caput and corpus epididymidis (ductuli efferentes 0.60±0.09 μg/g; ductuli efferentes and caput 0.72±0.13 μg/g; corpus epididymidis 1.04±0.25 μg/g; proximal cauda 0.95±0.17 μg/g; distal cauda 0.97±0.19 μg/g). The highest noradrenaline content was found in the human vas deferens (prox. vas deferens 1.11±0.21 μg/g; interm. vas deferens 1.20±0.42 μg/g; distal portion 1.43±0.39 μg/g). 8. For comparison, the noradrenaline content of the testis and epididymis of the rhesus monkey, the epididymis of the rabbit and the vas deferens of the rabbit, mouse, guinea-pig and rat has been determined. 9. Adrenaline of exogenous origin was detected in the vas deferens, cauda epididymidis and plexus pampiniformis of two cases who received this catecholamine as part of the local anaesthetic drug mixture. Due to methodological reasons, the presence of small amounts of adrenaline of endogenous source in adrenergic nerves of the human and monkey internal male genital organs cannot be excluded. 10. The differences in motility behaviour of the ductus epididymidis (spontaneous, rhythmic contractions) and ductus deferens (absence of any spontaneous movements under conditions at rest) in vivo and in vitro have been correlated with the occurrence of specialized contractile cells in the upper segment (ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis of the caput, corpus and initial cauda) and ordinary large smooth muscle cells in the lower segment (ductus epididymidis of the distal cauda and the vas deferens) and furthermore correlated with differences in the pattern of the adrenergic innervation; the concept is advanced that progressive cytological differentiation of smooth muscle cells and the development of a dense direct adrenergic innervation suppresses autocontractility and, that the reverse condition may favour spontaneous motility of smooth muscle elements.

Notes: Summary 1. Three species of the genusGnathonemus (Gn. petersii, moorii andstanleyanus) as all species of the family Mormyridae possess two pairs of electric organs situated symmetrically on each side of the vertebral column between the caudal, dorsal and anal fins. Each organ is composed of a series of 70–170 electroplaques. 2. The stalks of the electroplaques contain no nerves. Unbranched motor nerve fibres innervate the end sections of the stalks by synaptic knobs inserting into cavities of the electroplasma. 3. The electroplasma membrane surrounds the stalk (also in the region where the stalk penetrates through holes in the body of the electroplaque) and the electroplaque. The membrane is deeply indented on the cranial side as well as on the caudal side of the electroplaque. Through this the surface is greatly enlarged. In the inside of the electroplaque are striated muscles. 4. The motor and sensory nerve fibres are clearly different in diameter. 5. The number of the nerve cells in the spinal ganglions is, in the electric organ, about a multiple larger than in the segments of the body muscular system situated in front of the electric organ. 6. The reconstruction of the peripheral sensory nerves of one segment (in view of electron microscopical analyses), reveals that these, with the exception of two free nerve endings in the integument and the free nerve endings in the dorsal myoseptum, mainly innervate four large tendons on the side of the electric organs. 7. The innervation of the electric organs leads to the hypothesis that the tendons, in connection with the function of the electric organs, possess sensory functions.

Notes: Summary Ultrastructural studies have been carried out on the innervation of the interstitial gland of the mouse ovary. In addition Falck's fluorescence method was applied. 1. Fluorescence microscopy: In the ovarian stroma green fluorescent nerve fibers are frequently to be found in the surroundings of large and small vessels. Seldom small fibers invade blocks of interstitial cells; however, their final ramification is not discernible. 2. Electron microscopy: Terminal fibers of the autonomic nervous system reach the cells of the interstitial gland from all sides. They may be independent from the course of the vessels. Many axons penetrate the basal membrane and come into close contact with interstitial cells, partly by forming large swellings (boutons), which may be deeply embedded into the cytoplasm of the innervated cell. The synaptic cleft is about 200 Å wide. Specialized pre- and postsynaptic membranes have not been found. The innervated cells show no peculiarities. The possible function of the synapses is discussed.

Notes: Summary The fine structure of the nerves of the ovarian stroma of the domestic fowl is described for the first time. In the fowl, the nerves are concentrated upon blood vessels, smoth muscles and mainly, the thecal gland with the steroid-producing cells. Myelinated as well as unmyelinated nerve fibers were observed. Numerous axon terminals representing adrenergic and also presumptive cholinergic nerve fibers are regularly seen in membranous contact with steroid-producing cells. In these axon terminals microvesicles are oriented towards the steroid-producing cells indicating a specialization of the surface from axon-to-cell contact. Evidence has been presented that there is a membranous neuro-humoral contact between the peripheral autonomie nervous system and the steroid-producing cells in the ovary. The present investigation has demonstrated that there is morphologic evidence for a nervous control of steroid-producing cells. The physiological importance of this neuro-humoral contact is discussed.

Notes: Summary Pituicytes of Rana pipiens could be classified into two types, pale and dense, according to their relative densities of cytoplasm and the populations of free ribosomes and cell organelles. An intermediate type of pituicyte was also recognized. Lipid droplet such as are typical in the cytoplasm of mammalian pituicytes, are not in the cytoplasm of either types of frog pituicyte. Both types have long cytoplasmic processes which run among the nerve fibers, and some of them end at the pericapillary space. Nerve endings making synapse-like contacts with the cell bodies or the processes of the pituicyte are frequent. According to the structures and sizes of granules and vesicles in the nerve endings, these endings are classified into one of three types: 1) A, which appears to be a peptidergic neuronal ending containing dense granules 1,200–2,000 Å in diameter and small clear vesicles 300–400 Å in diameter; 2) B, which appear to be monoaminergic endings containing cored vesicles 600–1,000 Å in diameter and small clear vesicles 300–500 Å in diameter; 3) C, which appear to be cholinergic endings containing only small clear vesicles. Type C endings are relatively rare. In the synaptic area the axonal membranes appose those of the pituicytes across a gap of about 200 Å and numerous “presynaptic” vesicles are clustered or accumulated near the presynaptic membranes.

Notes: Summary The innervation of the brown, red and yellow chromatophore muscle cells in Loligo vulgaris shows quantitative and qualitative differences. The nerve bundles regularly contain axons with electronlucent vesicles of about 300 Å diameter, and occasionally axons with dense core vesicles of about 600 Å diameter. The myofibrils of the contractile cortex show a staggered arrangement and are wound in a spiral with respect to the axis of the muscle cell. In the axial sarcoplasm there is additionally a bundle of thin filaments of about 70 Å thickness. The bundle is orientated in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the muscle cell. Its function may be to maintain tonic contractions.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of the innervation of the anterior cerebral artery of the rat was studied in control animals and in animals after superior cervical ganglionectomy. Fluorescence histochemistry shows a periarterial network of intensely fluorescent fibers which are divided into two groups, adventitial and periadventitial. The fluorescence begins to decrease 26 hours after, and completely disappears about 32 hours after, ganglionectomy. Fine structural changes are first observed 18 hours after ganglionectomy, when the axoplasm of degenerating axons becomes electron dense. This density gradually increases up to about 32 hours. By 32 hours most axons with disintegrating axolemmas become inclusion bodies of the Schwann cells. At this stage, synaptic vesicles can still be distinguished as less dense areas, but the membrane structures of synaptic vesicles and mitochondria are difficult to recognize. The degenerating axons are gradually absorbed and by 38 hours dense, residual bodies are observed in the Schwann cells. Generally speaking, the degeneration occurs first in the adventitial fibers and then in the periadventitial fibers. The transient appearance of small, granular vesicles is noticed in axon terminals about 18 hours after denervation, although very few small, granular vesicles are seen in control tissue or at later stages of degeneration.

Notes: Summary Electron microscope studies of axons, distributing singly or in small bundles in the human ventricular and atrial myocardium, indicate a few per-cent of the axon profiles to be significantly large in diameter (1.5–3.0 μ). They are characteristically packed with a profuse number of mitochondria along with large granular vesicles, glycogen rosettes, lysosomic bodies; and some of them terminate on a “specific terminal cell” (Knoche and Schmitt). These mitochondria-rich, large axons are assumed to be terminal portions of the cardiac afferents. About half of the axons encountered in the ventricle and 2/3 in the atrium are non-vesiculated, usually less than 0.5 μ. in diameter. The varicosities containing numerous vesicles are mostly 0.5–1.5 μ in diameter and are assumed to be terminal portions of the cardiac efferents. The ratio between the number of axon profiles containing small granular vesicles and that of axon profiles containing agranular vesicles without small granular vesicles is 2∶1 in the ventricular myocardium and 1∶1.7 in the atrial myocardium.

Notes: Summary The hilus cells in the ovary of the pig have been investigated with the electron microscope. These elements are identical with Leydig cells. The hilus cells contain an abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum, which is either organized as a tubular network or as an onion like system of closely packed flattened cisternae sometimes filling up half of a cell and often being concentrated around lipid droplets and pigment granules. The mitochondria have cristae, tubuli and sacculi and a matrix of variable electron density. The golgi cisternae are poorly developed. The cells have centrioles, and there are hints of an amitotic cell division. The cytoplasm of the hilus cells contains lipid droplets, which have a diameter up to 5 μm. The pigment granules are extremely polymorphic, nearly always surrounded by a single membrane. They possibly may be derived from lipid droplets and mitochondria. Single axons of the hilus nerve occasionally penetrate the basement membrane and come into close contact with the hilus cells. Typical synapses were not observed. The results are discussed on the background of light microscopical, biochemical and pathological findings and compared with those obtained on Leydig cells of different species. Various cell images are interpreted to represent progressive stages of maturation.

Notes: Summary The rabbit SA-node was outlined electrophysiologically and its adrenergic and cholinergic innervation patterns were studied with the electron microscope. Differentiation between adrenergic and cholinergic terminals was achieved by fixation of the specimens in KMnO4 which produces dense-cored synaptic vesicles in adrenergic terminals, whereas synaptic vesicles in cholinergic terminals are empty. It was found that adrenergic and cholinergic nerve terminals often come in close apposition to each other, the distance between adjoining membranes being in the order of 250 Å. At times, faint membrane thickenings could be seen in these places. The available pharmacological, physiological and morphological evidence leaves little room for doubt that cholinergic terminal fibers can influence the adrenergic ones. From mainly morphological evidence it is also postulated that adrenergic terminals influence cholinergic terminals.

Notes: Summary The median eminence and the pars nervosa of Rana esculenta have a different structure. The median eminence has 2 different zones: the outer zone situated near the pars distalis and the inner zone under the ependyme. In the outer zone there are, according to the size and the shape of the granules, 5 types of nerve terminals. 1. Endings containing spherical fine dense granules of 800 to 1000 Å in diameter; 2. Endings with spherical granules from 1000 to 1200 Å in diameter; 3. Endings with granules of irregular shape which are bigger than the former (1200 to 1600 Å); 4. Endings with spherical dense granules of about 1200 to 1800 Å in diameter; 5. A few endings containing only clear vesicles. Type 3 and type 4 endings are probably neurosecretory. The inner zone contains numerous neurosecretory fibres. They are of two types: one with big granules (1600–2400 Å), the second with smaller granules (1300–2000 Å). Non-neurosecretory fibres have also been observed. The pars nervosa contains two principal types of neurosecretory fibres: one with dense granules of 1600 to 2400 Å in diameter, the other with lighter granules of about 1300 to 2000 Å. In the external zone lining the pars intermedia, aminergic fibres with fine granules have been observed.

Notes: Summary The nerve supply to the iridic melanophores of the rat was studied with the electron microscope. The adrenergic and cholinergic terminals were identified with the aid of 5-hydroxydopamine, which produces dense-cored 400–800 Å synaptic vesicles in adrenergic axon varicosities, whereas the synaptic vesicles of cholinergic axons remain empty. It was found that both adrenergic and cholinergic terminal axons come in close apposition (200–250 Å) with the melanophores. The appositions have the same appearance as synapses in peripheral tissues. It seems likely that the murine iridic melanophores have a double innervation, although its functional significance is obscure.