ALBERT

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: The morphology of the cardiac ganglion of Limulus polyphemus (L) was examined by reconstructions from stained serial sections. This ganglion is composed of two distinct parts: a fiber tract extending the entire length of the heart and a cellular portion underlying the fiber tract. The cellular portion extends continuously from the third pair of ostia to the posterior terminus of the heart. The mean number of ganglion cell bodies is 231. Most of the ganglion cells are located among the glial elements of the cellular portion. The greatest density of cells is found in segments 5 and 6. Six cell types are recognized: (1) large pigmented unipolar cells approximately 120 μ in diameter with distinct connective tissue capsules around them; (2) large pigmented bipolar cells approximately 120 μ in length which are also encapsulated; (3) pigmented multipolar cells approximately 80 μ in diameter which are free of capsules; (4) small pigmented bipolar cells approximately 40 μ in length which are encapsulated but which are found exclusively within the fiber tract; (5) non-pigmented multipolar cells approximately 30 μ in diameter which are found scattered among the connective tissue elements of the cellular portion; and (6) small non-pigmented cells approximately 10 μ in diameter which are found within the unipolar cell capsule and scattered among the connective tissue elements of the ganglion.The variability in cell numbers and the random location of cells points toward non-specific anatomical connectivity between elements of this ganglion.

Notizen: Development of the secondary palate in Swiss white mouse embroyos was studied from age nine-and-one-half days in utero to the stage of mesenchymal coalescence in the secondary palate (approximately fifteen-and-one-half days). The greatest changes observed occur in the mesenchyme. At early stages, mesenchymal cells underlying oral ectoderm of the head are few and only occasionally contact the ectoderm. Electron micrographs show large intercellular spaces between the ectodermal cells. As embryogenesis continues, the mesenchymal cells become more numerous, closer to each other and closer to the epithelium. Just prior to horizontal transposition of shelves, the mesenchymal cells spread farther from each other and from the palatal epithelium and epithelium of the palatal tip becomes stretched. Ultrastructurally the intercellular spaces between epithelial cells of the palate tip have become much smaller. Some mitochondria in some epithelial cells are swollen and have clear matrices and distorted cristae. The shelves become horizontal and meet in the midpalate. Cells with degeneration bodies are seen in the epithelial seam. The seam undergoes autolysis and is replaced by mesenchyme. The morphological changes described, particularly in the mesenchyme, may play an important role in determining the effect of various teratogens at different stages of palatal development. The changes in both mesenchyme and epithelial cells in the later stages may constitute part of the process of preparing shelves for fusion as postulated by Pourtois ('66).

Notizen: Although there are many reports of tooth replacement patterns in lower vertebrates, few show the range of pattern to be found in a number of similar aged specimens of one species. Fifteen specimens of Caiman sclerops, head length 4-5 cms, were examined by a radiographic technique and their tooth replacement patterns analysed. Whole head radiography and dissected head radiographs were compared and the resulting tooth replacement waves were found to be comparable. Wave replacement (sensu Edmund, '60) in odd and even tooth positions in the tooth row was observed in all the specimens examined. Whereas most waves passed in a cephalad direction, wave reversal (caudad) was also observed, particularly in the anterior parts of the jaws. In some specimens simple alternation in tooth replacement was observed, particularly in the mid-portion of each quadrant. The smooth, age-related change-over from cephalad to caudad demonstrated by Edmund ('62) in captive Alligator mississippiensis was not observed in wild specimens of Caiman sclerops.

Notizen: Retrogressive analysis of the cn gene effect has been performed on crooked neck dwarf chick embryos between stages 28-38 (5-12 days). The phenocritical stage of mutant embryos studied is stage 29. Histolytic degeneration of neck tissues is first recognized by the appearance of localized degenerate nuclei in the tracheal mesenchyme. Pleiotropic autolysis of the embryonic thymus, loose mesenchyme and the ventral neck tissue is also observed. Histolysis occurs in a caudocephalic gradient in all cn-affected embryos. The degenerative effects in crooked neck dwarf embryos vary in their intensity, but the pattern of autolysis seems constant. Histological observations provide some explanation for “escapers,” homozygous lethal embryos known to survive until hatching. A mechanism for surviving developmental crises in cn embryos is proposed.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: (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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: In Drosophila melanogaster embryos cuticle formation occurs between 12 and 16 hours of development at 25°C. The formation of the cuticulin and the protein epicuticular layers is simultaneous in the hypoderm, the tracheoblasts, and the fore- and hindgut cells. The cuticulin forms as a dual lamina, aggregating from granules secreted by the hypodermal cells. This is followed by the formation of a granular protein epicuticle and finally by the secretion of a mixed fibrous and granular endocuticle.All secretory cells are relatively simple in their ultrastructure. The secretory process is a membrane phenomenon, occurring at the tips of hypodermal microvillae on cells at the surface of the embryo and on those hypodermal cells lining the lumen of the fore- and hindgut. It also occurs along the entire surface of the tracheoblast lumen as well as on the outer surface of those cells which form exoskeletal chitinous setae. The process involves a specialization of the plasma membrane with the formation of secretory granules intracellularly beneath the membrane and the extrusion of these granules through the membrane to the outside where final cuticle formation occurs.

Notizen: Histological analyses of monthly collections of Sceloporus jarrovi ovaries are presented. The ovaries undergo a cycle in which yolk deposition occurs in September-October and is followed by ovulation in late November. One corpus luteum forms from each ruptured follicle and undergoes progressive cytoplasmic depletion until mid-June parturition, after which time rapid degeneration commences. Follicular atresia is common during the spring and absent during the summer and early fall. Granulosa cells play an active role in follicular atresia luteal cell formation, and may also be involved in yolk deposition.

Notizen: Two types of coelomocytes, the mucocyte and the phagocyte, occur in Enchytraeus fragmentosus. Other free cells observed within the coelomic cavity include chloragogen cells, peritoneal cells and some anucleate granular cells. Three forms of mucocytes occur and are believed to represent developmental stages. The first stage is one in which the mucous droplets are forming in the Golgi region. The second stage is a mature form, and the third stage is one in which the mucous droplets are being released. The phagocytes generally are quite large, and inclusions vary from recognizable portions of chloragogen cells to extremely small, electron-dense cytosomes. The origin of the coelomocytes could not be determined. Probable functions of coelomocytes are discussed.

Notizen: Tooth development in Latimeria was studied with the use of light microscopy, polarized light microscopy and microradiography.Teeth develop from cells derived directly from the basal layer of the oral epithelium in areas where teeth have been shed or are being resorbed. The teeth are composed of true enamel, orthodentine and pulp tissues. Attachment is accom-plished by bony attachment ankylosing the teeth to the basal bone of dental plates. The histologic picture of Latimeria teeth resembles more closely the teeth of tetrapods than those of most bony fish.

Notizen: The mitotic and labelling incidence of intestine, liver, spleen and pancreas cells of Triturus cristatus carnifex adults kept at 15°C, 20°C, 25°C and 30°C were examined. Intestine mitotic and labelling incidences were highest at 25°C and lowest at 30°C. There was no significant difference between 15°C and 20°C. No such relationship could be shown for liver, spleen or pancreas, which had very much lower mitotic and labelling incidences. In culture, intestine mitotic and labelling incidences fell significantly within the first four hours, and maintained these low levels for the next five days. In contrast, liver mitotic and labelling incidences rose for 9-11 days, and then began to fall, while pancreas mitotic and labelling incidences reached peak values at day 5, and were kept in good condition for up to 14 days.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: Several oxidative enzymes in the testis of the teiid lizard Cnemidophorus tigris were studied histochemically. The cells of the circumtesticular sheath (Leydig cell tunic) are functionally equivalent to Leydig cells of the interstitium on the basis of similar histochemical reactions for the five enzyme systems studied. Both groups of cells were positive for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, NADH diaphorase, NADPH diaphorase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. These results support the hypothesis that the circumtesticular sheath has endocrine function as indicated by its vascularity and its ability to catalyze histochemical reactions involving steroid biosynthesis.

Notizen: The organization of the corpora cardiaca and corpora allata of the female alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica, generally parallels that reported for other insects with extrinsic neurosecretory axons, intrinsic neurosecretory cells, and interstitial or glial cells appearing in both glands.Connecting the brain with the cardiacum are the extrinsic neurosecretory axons containing granules between 600 and 2200 Å. Granules with a diameter of up to 4000 Å are found in the intrinsic secretory cells of the corpus cardiacum.From the lobed corpus cardiacum, axons extend along a short nerve trunk into the ovoid corpus allatum. A characteristic of this gland is the presence of a layer of axons, ensheathing most of the corpus allatum and situated beneath an external basement membrane. These axons are believed to have their origin in the protocerebral neurosecretory cells. Although the c. allatum is known to be engaged in the release of hormonally active material, the cytoplasmic organization does not strongly reflect such activity.The glands of the diapausing weevil appear similar to those of the active weevil with a reduction in cytoplasm and a consequent folding of the plasma membrane.

Notizen: Within the supraesophageal ganglion of polynoids is a vertical fiber tract which has the appearance of a “Y” in transverse sections of the brain, and contains the axons of many neurosecretory cells. The granule-filled terminals of these neurosecretory fibers are found at the base of the tract where they are in contact with the inner surface of the sheath covering the ventral surface of the brain. This sheath separates these neurosecretory endings from an underlying pericapsular epithelium which is thicker in this region. Beneath this pericapsular epithelium is a coelomic sinus. The dorsal blood vessel is located within this sinus and is “innervated” by a pair of fiber bundles that pass out of the brain at the base of the vertical fiber tract. The outer surface of the vessel is covered by epithelioid cells which contact these fiber bundles and the thickened pericapsular epithelium, and sometimes contain granular cytoplasmic inclusions. The lumen of the vessel is continuous with the lumina of a pair of cellular, thickwalled structures of unknown function which are attached to the ventro-lateral margins of the brain. The relationship between neurosecretory endings, enlarged pericapsular cells, coelomic sinus and blood vessel provides morphological evidence for the hypothesis that these structures are elements of a neuroendocrine system, similar in some respects to the brain-infracerebral gland complex of nereid and nephtyid polychaetes.

Notizen: Gross details of the reproductive cycle and the cytology of oogenesis were studied in 155 egg clutches produced by 69 captive individuals of the triploid parthenogenetic lizard Cnemidophorus uniparens. The mean clutch cycle lasted 23 days. The mean number of ova per clutch was 3.3, and the mean number of oocytes per right and left ovaries was 1.65 and 1.70, respectively. Comparison of the size of the oocytes at ovulation (9-10 mm) with the estimated mean duration of vitellogenesis (8.8 days) gave an average of approximately 1 mm yolk deposition per day. The mean time for the retention of eggs in the oviducts was 9.3 days. The germinal disc of the oocyte consists of a series of layers formed by the arrangement of various cytoplasmic and yolk particles in the polar region. In a mature oocyte the germinal vesicle is located immediately below the vitelline membrane and lies at the center of the germinal disc. The germinal vesicle is characterized by a dense disc-like cluster of diplotene chromosomes. Diplonema extends until near ovulation when the oocytes have attained a size of about 9 mm. Diakinesis and metaphase I occur rapidly and immediately prior to ovulation. Counts of approximately as many bivalents as there are somatic chromosomes were obtained from oocytes at diakinesis and metaphase I.The second division occurs almost immediately before or at the precise moment of ovulation. The chromosomes of the first polar body consist of dyads, of which there are as many as the triploid number of 69. A metaphase II plate obtained in polar view also revealed dyad chromosomes, of which there were approximately as many as the triploid somatic number. The second telophase is normal as evidenced by formation of the second polar body. Chromosomes from the opposing telophase plates show a monad structure. The presence of as many bivalents in the first division as the triploid somatic number of 69 indicates that the 3N condition of C. uniparens was doubled prior to meiosis. This is further supported by the occurrence of two maturation divisions each giving rise to a polar body, by the dyad structure of the chromosomes in the first polar body and the second metaphase, and by the presence of monochromosomes at telophase II. Thus, parthenogenesis in these lizards is of the meiotic type. The somatic number of chromosomes is doubled early in oogenesis presumably by a premeiotic endoduplication, and the 3N level is restored by two subsequent maturation divisions.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: The cloacal sacs of Leptotyphlops dulcis are nonglandular, posterior evaginations of the cloaca. The median cloacal gland is tubuloalveolar. Similar unpaired cloacal glands as well as paired sacs are noted in certain colubrid snakes. Terminology applied to these cloacal derivatives is discussed, and a standardization of names is provided.

Notizen: The antennal flagellum of the male sorghum midge is about a millimeter long and may bear over 500 sense organs. These consist of (1) tactile hairs, (2) thin-walled pegs, (3) circumfila and (4) very small pegs of unknown function. Each of the 12 subsegments of the flagellum is divided into two globular nodes and each of these is encircled by a circumfilum of from 6 to 14 loops. The circumfila are attached to the antennal surface by short stalks. The loops of the circumfila have the basic structure of thin-walled chemoreceptors: (1) very small pores in their delicate wall and (2) a lumen filled with branches of dendrites from sensory neurons. The outer surface of the circumfilum is covered with a labyrinth of fine ridges between which the pores are located. Some evidence was obtained that the circumfila are produced in the pupa by bifurcate trichogen cells.The flagellum of the female is shorter than that of the male and composed of 12 cylindrical subsegments. The circumfila of the female lie close to the surface to which they are attached by short stalks. Each is composed of two parts that encircle the subsegment and of two others that run lengthwise between the circles. The surface is nearly smooth, perforated by fine openings and lacks the complex pattern of ridges seen in the male. It also has more dendrite branches but, otherwise, has the same basic structure.

Notizen: Electron microscopic observations on the mechanically undisturbed guinea pig bone marrow show that the sinusoidal lining is continuous. There are neither intercellular nor intracellular apertures allowing free communication between the extravascular and intravascular compartments. A transient migration pore is only formed during the diapedetic transit of blood cells. Serial sections show that this aperture is transcellular. A functional continuity of the sinusoidal lining appears to be maintained during the diapedesis of blood cells, which is evident from the absence of a significant extravascular leakage of plasma during this process.

Notizen: The earliest visible changes that occur in the normal organization of the lens epithelium after a penetrating wound in the lens suggest that passage of an injury stimulus outward from the wound occurs within the first half day after injury: changes in normal tissue architecture appear near the wound at six hours and move outward to involve the proliferative zone by 12 hours. This is followed by migration of cells toward the wound. There is a slight increase in cell number in the proliferative zone within the first day, followed at later intervals by a decrease there and a concomitant increase in cell number adjacent to the wound. After a pre-injury injection of H3-TdR (or I125-UdR), labeled cells that had incorporated the precursor in the normal proliferative zone were found progressively closer to the wound with increasing time. Only the cells which incorporated the radioactive tracer could be followed, but it is likely that cells in the central areas also migrated toward the wound since they showed spindling and superimposition. Migration of cells into the wound margins is an important phase of wound closure which begins long before the major productions of new cells by mitosis.

Notizen: Growth of the skeleton of regenerating spines of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, was studied with the light and scanning electron microscopes during the formation of a growth ring or cycle.Growth was initiated about three days after fracture and was linear between 5 and about 40 days after fracture, with a mean rate of 0.16 mm/day. There-after, a decline in growth rate was observed, being attributed to abrasion.The new skeleton first appeared as minute, conical „micro-spines“ on the fractured surface of the spine shaft initiating regeneration of the inner zone of meshwork. Subsequent growth of micro-spines of both the developing inner zone of meshwork, and an outer zone of radiating wedges, formed a conical fenestrated skeleton on the fractured surface of the shaft. Further deposition of micro-spines along the shaft, initially at the level of fracture, formed meshwork which gradually became solidified externally resulting in a new cycle about 60 days after fracture. In contrast, a new cycle was initiated at the milled ring in non-fractured spines during total regeneration on bare tubercles, demonstrating that growth of spines also takes place in the absence of fracture.Experiments conducted in vitro demonstrate that spine regeneration is not a polar phenomenon.

Notizen: In the telotrophic ovarioles of Dysdercus fasciatus, mononucleate, binucleate and multinucleate trophocytes are seen in the germarium. Cellular breakdown of the multinucleate cells is seen in the posterior part of this tissue. The nutritive cords, which are continuous with the trophic core at the one end and the oocytes of the vitellarium at the other, contain material of fibrous appearance which continues into the trophic core. The ovariole is enclosed in two sheaths throughout its length. Prefollicular tissue in the germarium appears to give rise to the follicle cells. Mitosis is common in this zone. Oocytes are at first surrounded by a multilayered epithelium. This is later reduced progressively to one layer. This one layered follicular epithelium is at first columnar but then changes to cuboidal mononucleate, cuboidal binucleate and finally to a squamous binucleate condition This epithelium thus seems to accommodate the increased volume of the oocyte by growth and a change of shape. The oocyte grows fastest at those times when it is surrounded by cuboidal and squamous epithelial cells.

Notizen: Walking of Chrysemys has been studied by cinephotography and x-rays. The lateral sequence, diagonal couplet gait, limb support sequence, and wide track provide great stability, yet a slight pitch and roll cause some plastral drag. Velocity ranges from 28 mm to 51 mm/second, and fluctuates within a stride. Limb movements and structure resemble those of other ectotherms, but incorporate modifications reflecting the animal's short, broad trunk encased in a shell and carried close to the ground. The triradiate pectoral girdle so articulates with the shell as to act as a truss for weight transfer to the ground. Girdle rotation increases the efficiency of the girdle as a truss, and contributes to locomotor efficiency. The glenoid cavities are more than twice as far apart as the acetabula, so a thrust from the pectoral girdle has less propulsive efficiency on the center of gravity than one from the acetabulum. The humerus and femur are protracted to a greater extent than in other ectotherms and their horizontal arcs of retraction are less. Rotation of these elements about their longitudinal axes contributes to the length of a stride and to foot placement and withdrawal. Differences in the movements of comparable segments of front and hind limbs correlate with differences in the width of the girdles, a crus longer than the antebrachium, and different capacities for joint rotation.

Notizen: The developmental cycle of the teeth in Plethodon cinereus is analyzed on morphological grounds using alizarin preparations. All the stages in development do not occupy the same proportion of the life cycle time. Functional teeth and germs at an early stage in development occupy a large proportion of the life cycle time, whereas the processes of tooth shedding and ankylosis occur very quickly. The time during which any locus does not bear a functional tooth, and is therefore a non-functional locus, is reduced to a minimum. P. cinereus has a basic pattern of tooth replacement which is consistent with Zahnreihen which are 2.0 tooth spaces apart. Variations in the replacement pattern are common and these are produced by relatively small fluctuations in the spacing of the Zahnreihen around the „mean„ of 2.0. Localized disturbances which produce breaks in the replacement pattern and cause waves to cross also occur. These may be due to the failure of tooth germs to develop, the fusion of tooth germs, or may be the result of the inherent variability in a complex biological system. This variability causes individual tooth germs to develop too slowly or too quickly and hence assume an „abnormal“ position thus causing breaks in the replacement pattern. Tooth replacement may be controlled by an intra-local mechanism(s) rather than by stimuli which travel along the jaw.

Notizen: The llama and guanaco stomach consisted of three compartments. A transverse pillar divided the large, first compartment into cranial and caudal sacs. Both sacs contained recessed glandular saccules. The saccules in the caudal sac were everted during the gastric contraction cycle. The non-recessed surfaces of this compartment were covered by stratified squamous epithelium.The first compartment communicated on the right with a smaller, reniform second compartment. Except on the lesser curvature, this compartment contained deep cells which were lined by a papillated glandular mucosa.The ventricular groove, defined by a single muscular lip, coursed along the cranial sac of the first compartment, over the lesser curvature of the second compartment, and terminated at the tubular passage to the third compartment.The initial four-fifths of the elongate third compartment contained mucigenous glands like those found in the saccules and cells of the first and second compartment Proper gastric glands and pyloric glands were confined to the terminal one-fifth of the third compartment.Attempts to homologize the compartments of the camelid stomach with those of the Pecora or so-called advanced ruminants were unsuccessful. The results of this study and concurrent physiologic investigations indicated that the processes of ruminant digestion can operate within wide anatomic boundaries, and that the camelid stomach with its extensive glandular mucosa is adapted for greater digestive efficiency than the advanced ruminant stomach.

Notizen: The epidermal covering of the tail scales of the gekkonid lizard Lygodactylus bears three distinct types of specialization: sense organs, pilose pads whose function is either sensory or scansorial or both, and holocrine secretory organs (β-glands) which are only found in males. The same specializations are found on regenerated tails, and although the morphological form and patterning of the scales do not resemble the original, the structure, distribution and sexual specificity of the specialized units is perfectly restored. These structures, and similar units in other lacertilian genera have certain resemblances to mammalian and avian epidermal specializations. Perfection of replacement of integumentary specializations can be correlated with functional demands, although the developmental mechanism underlying the phenomenon is unknown.

Notizen: Spermatozoa in the head of the epididymis of the flying squirrel have large cup-shaped acrosomal heads with two ventral ridges. The cytoplasmic droplet contains an ovoid body and a group of large granules. These structures may be related to the chromatoid body of spermatids. The spermatozoa form polarized cylindrical bodies with centrally placed tails and peripheral heads. The tips of acrosomes protrude into concavities of acrosomal cups of neighboring spermatozoa. Peripheral portions of acrosomes are in contact with microvilli (stereocilia) of epididymal cells. Polarized cylindrical bodies are present in five species of Sciuridae.

Notizen: The hypothalamus of the opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus mexicanus), and the cat (Felis domestica) was studied using Del Rio Hortega's silver carbonate technique, as modified by Scharenberg ('60). This technique demonstrates astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and neuronal perikarya, but does not impregnate microglia. The morphology of macroglia was observed in ten comparable nuclei in each of the three species. The subpial and subependymal areas were also examined.Astrocytes display more cell body angularity and have more processes in most hypothalamic regions of the cat when compared to similar regions of the opossum and armadillo.In the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, the ventromedial and the dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, and the medial mammillary nucleus of all three species, astrocytes send processes to neurons, but neuronal and astrocytic perikarya are usually not directly contiguous. However, oligodendrocytes in a perisomatic position on neurons are a consistent feature in these nuclei.A closer relationship appears to exist between astrocytes and neurons in the neurosecretory nuclei. In the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus of all three species a basket-like structure, designated a „pericellular envelope“ was observed surrounding neuronal perikarya. This structure is composed of astrocytic and oligodendroglial cell bodies and processes, and is most highly developed in the cat.A dense astrocytic plexus was observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the cat, and in the comparable nuclei of the armadillo and opossum. The most prominent macroglial cell type of the lateral hypothalamic and lateral mammillary nuclei of all three species is the interfascicular oligodendrocyte. The posterior hypothalamic nucleus of each species has many perisomatic oligodendrocytes, and in the armadillo and cat astrocytes are closely related to the larger neurons.A subpial plexus, consisting of a palisade of small glial cells with many processes, is present in the hypothalamus of the three species. Ependymal cells have long projecting processes throughout the length of the third ventricle in the armadillo hypothalamus, but such processes are only apparent in the region of the infundibular nucleus and median eminence in the opossum and cat.

Notizen: The antenna of fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti has one peg organ of a basiconic type innervated by four neurons. The dendrites are ensheathed to near their terminations at the peg tip by an electron-dense dendritic sheath and by a cuticular sheath. They have easy communication by diffusion with the external environment only at the tip through a peripheral ensheathing membrane and six slit-channels. One of the dendrites resembles a tubular body proximally and may be mechanoreceptive. The peg generally appears to be a contact chemoreceptor. There are three antennal hairs of a typical sensillum trichodeum type innervated at the base by one neuron each. An intricate terminal mechanism at the insertion of the dendrite in the hair is described. These are believed to be tactile hairs. There are also three antennal hairs each innervated by two neurons. The dendrite from one terminates at the base similar to that of a tactile hair, and is believed to function in a similar mechanoreceptive manner. The dendrite from the second neuron extends naked along the length of the hair lumen. It is believed to be primarily chemoreceptive, in a slow-acting general sensory function. In all the sensilla there appear to be secretions produced in the junction body regions of the dendrites, and there is evidence for accumulation of secretory materials in the dendritic tips in some of the sensilla.

Notizen: The ultrastructure of wing epidermis of the giant silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia, was studied during pupal diapause and the first half of development to the adult. In diapause, the generalized epidermal cells are characterized by many free ribosomes, some vesicles and small lamellae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, some scattered short mitochondria and a few small Golgi complexes. During the early states of post-diapause development, before and after the time of apolysis (separation of the epidermis from the overlying cuticle), there is a marked increase in structures often associated with synthetic functions, such as polyribosomes, lamellate rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes. On day five of post-apolysis development, just after the appearance of scale-forming and socket-forming cells, the generalized epidermal cells lay down the cuticulin layer of the adult cuticle. At this stage and later, the polyribosomes and lamellate rough endoplasmic reticulum decrease in abundance. Cell nuclei show three phases of temporary transition from predominantly lobed to predominantly round profile, which correspond to periods of reported DNA synthesis. Throughout this developmental process, therefore, there is good correlation of fine structure with changes in macromolecular synthesis recorded elsewhere.

Notizen: The circulatory system of Pollicipes polymerus exhibits a high degree of organization which precludes it from being referred to as an open system. The system is arbitrarily divided into four parts: (1) the circulation of the peduncle and mantle; (2) the distributive circulation of the body, which provides hemolymph to most of the cephalic gut, to the maxillary gland, and to the cirri; (3) the peripheral circulation which distributes blood from the cirri to the peripheral areas of the thoracic region, to most of the thoracic gut, and from the scutal sinus to the peripheral areas of the cephalic region; and (4) the collecting circulation, which conveys hemolymph mostly from the peripheral circulation of the body to the peduncle. There also may be a circulation that is comparable to the vertebrate lymphatic system.Pumping of hemolymph can be attributed to three pairs of skeletal muscles that compress the dorsolateral channels. These muscles are unique for crustacean muscles in that they do not appear to be striated.The rostral vessel appears to be a vestige of a heart in which the pump muscles have been lost. There is a similarity of the rostral vessel to the heart of Calanus finmarchicus (a copepod). This is additional evidence linking the cirripeds with the copepods within the Maxillopoda.Electron microscope observations of the walls of the midsagittal vessels indicate that there is a more or less random layering of cellular and noncellular elements within the wall. Muscle cells appear to be incorporated in the vessel wall.

Notizen: Oogenesis in the anuran Xenopus laevis can be divided into six stages based on the anatomy of the developing oocyte. Stage I consists of small (50 to 100 μ) colorless oocytes whose cytoplasm is transparent. Their large nuclei and mitochondrial masses are clearly visible in the intact oocyte. Stage II oocytes range up to 450 μ in diameter, and appear white and opaque. Stage I and II are both previtellogenic. Pigment synthesis and yolk accumulation (vitellogenesis) begins during Stage III. Vitellogenesis continues through Stage IV (600 to 1000 μ), the oocytes grow rapidly, and the animal and vegetal hemispheres become differentiated. By Stage V (1000 to 1200 μ) the oocytes have nearly reached their maximum size and yolk accumulation gradually ceases. Stage VI oocytes are characterized by the appearance of an essentially unpigmented equatorial band. They range in size from 1200 to 1300 μ, are postivtellogenic and ready for ovulation. These stages of oocyte development have been correlated with physiological and biochemical data related to oogenesis in Xenopus.

Notizen: The ultrastructure of the epidermis at different stages of the shedding cycle has been studied in Anolis carolinensis. Cells of the germinal layer are morphologically similar at all stages in the cycle. Immediately after leaving the germinal layer all daughter cells resemble one another closely. However, they later acquire specific ultrastructural features that enable them to be classified into six distinct fully differentiated types corresponding to the grouping previously set forth by light microscopy. A comparison of cytoplasmic filament size with the known X-ray diffraction data suggests that the Oberhautchen and β-layer contain a protein similar to that of avian feather; the protein in the α-layer and lacunar tissue is similar to that in mammalian hair, and the mesos layer cells probably contain a mixture of feather and hair-like proteins. The nature of the amorphous cytoplasmic material in the mature clear layer is as yet unknown.

Notizen: The interspecific variation in the positional and mesenteric relationship of the mammalian oviduct to the ovary observed among 41 species is summarized by distinguishing eight morphological types of relationship. The recognition of types is based on wide species differences in: the position of the oviduct with reference to the mesosalpinxal fold and ovary; the extent to which oviducal mesenteries enclose the ovary in a periovarial sac; the degree of closure and method of formation of the peritoneal opening to the periovarial sac; and the morphology of the oviduct.

Notizen: The stellate cell in the pars distalis of Anolis carolinensis has been studied with the electron microscope. This cell type is characterized by the lack of secretory granules, and it possesses elongate processes that insert between secretory cells. Few cytoplasmic filaments are present in these processes, and desmosomes linking them to adjacent stellate cells or to secretory cells are seen infrequently in control animals. Stellate cells are often encountered in the caudal half of the pars distalis, but they are less commonly found in the rostral half. In animals undergoing thyroidal depression, thyroidectomy cells arise in the caudal pars distalis. Concurrently, stellate cells of that region hypertrophy and exhibit increased numbers of desmosomes, complex intercellular junctions, and micropinocytotic vesicles. Injected horseradish peroxidase penetrates the intercellular spaces, enters the micropinocytotic vesicles, and is transported to the interior of the stellate cell. It is suggested that stellate cells in Anolis under certain conditions may transport materials between the bloodstream and secretory cells.

Notizen: Four glands of the house sparrow, chicken and turkey were examined histologically and for their content of amylase. These were the external and intermediate mandibular glands, the maxillary gland and glandula anguli oris of the sparrow and the anterior and posterior mandibular, maxillary and anguli oris glands of the chicken and turkey. Amylase was determined by a starch substrate slide method and by biochemical assay. General morphology and mucopolysaccharide staining are described.All four glands of the sparrow demonstrated significant amylolytic activity by the assay. In the external mandibular and anguli oris glands this activity could be traced to mucous and seromucous cells of origin by means of the starch substrate slide procedure. None of the glands of the chicken or turkey displayed significant amylolytic activity.

Notizen: The relatively undifferentiated cells comprising the prefollicular epithelium of the fourth and fifth instar of the reduvid bug Rhodninus prolixus are flattened and contain the regularly occurring organelles, lipid droplets, and aggregates of glycogen-like particles. These cells transform into the adult prefollicular tissue.During vitellogenesis there is a gradual shortening of the cells of the follicular epithelium and an increase in the size of the intercellular space between them and between follicle cells and oocyte. The follicle cells are binucleate, contain numerous microtubules, rough endoplasmic reticulum, many free and aggregate ribosomes, and Golgi complexes. They are associated with each other by gap junctions. Only the follicle cells on the lateral aspects of the oocyte exhibit the development of large extracellular spaces while those at the apical end, that produces the cap, remain tall and closely apposed to each other during vitellogenesis. The normal morphology of the follicle cells over various areas of the oocyte suggests that shape and/or volume changes of these cell may be important in regulating the access of yolk proteins to the colemma.Subsequent to vitellogenesis the follicle cells become cuboidal and once again become closely apposed to each other. They contain much rough endoplasmic reticulum and produce the secondary coat.

Notizen: The results of histochemical tests performed on the type “B” dermal gland in Rhodnius and the Verson's gland in Calpodes at different stages in their secretory cycle are presented. The secretions of both glands are slightly acidic sulphated mucosubstances. They differ in their main carbohydrate component which in Rhodnius is hyaluronic acid and in Calpodes is sialic acid. The glands, though structurally similar, differ in size, number, and development.

Notizen: The atresia of post-ovulatory and pre-ovulatory follicles of the viviparous smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis, is compared for approximately the first fourth of an 11 month gestation. A thick collagenous sheath and numerous tubules in the theca identify the large, folded stage A post-ovulatory follicle. In stage B the tubules have been filled by cells to form “islands.” In stage C the entire structure is greatly diminished, adjacent islands tend to fuse, the collagenous sheath is virtually gone and the granulosa is degenerating. Preovulatory follicles from large, yolky oocytes pass through four stages beginning with yolk phagocytosis by granulosa cells of the villi (stage I), which are long and granular in stage II; villi fuse, theca cells increase greatly, fill with granules (stage III), encroach on the granulosa and disperse it into small groups of cells which finally disappear (stage IV) leaving a mass of thecal cells. A special type of pre-ovulatory follicle from small non-yolky oocyte atresia exhibits prominent thecal tubules and an unusual arrangement of granulosa cells. This follicle appearrs to enlarge during the summer, becoming multilobed; few granules are present.The distribution of lipid in frozen sections, stained by Oil red O, is described for all types of follicles. Schultz and Lewis and Lobban tests for steroids were made on frozen sections with corresponding results. Positive green tests indicating the presence of steroids or possible steroidogenesis were limited to: (1) one post-ovulatory follicle, in the islands; (2) four stage III and seven late stage IV pre-ovulatory yolky atretic follicles; (3) two special atretic follicles. The special atretic follicle appears to be a unique feature of M. canis and it is suggested tentatively that it may be related to viviparity.

Notizen: The release vibration and release call of Bufo valliceps have been studied by electromyography of the muscles involved, coupled with pressure and sound recording. The sequences are powered by contraction of the muscles of the body envelope and with the energy transmitted via the compressed pulmonary contents. Each pulse of a call starts as the laryngeal muscles relax and pulmonary pressure forces the arytenoid cartilages apart. Sound emission ceases when the laryngeal dilators pull the arytenoids out of the airstream. Reverse flow of air from buccal cavity to lungs may occur within prolonged release sequences. Inflation of the vocal sac results in marked increase in amplitude of the radiated sound without equivalent increase in amplitude of the myograns. The call is intimately associated with the pulsepumping method of breathing used by frogs.

Notizen: The ultrastructure of the follicle cells and oocyte periplasm is described during the stages of oogenesis immediately prior to, during, and immediately subsequent to, vitellogenesis. A number of features have not been described previously in Drosophila. Some yolk appears prior to pinocytosis of blood proteins. However, most of the protein yolk forms while the periplasm is filled with micropinocytotic invaginations and tubules derived from the oolemma. These tubules retain the internal layer of material characteristic of coated vesicles and are found to fuse with yolk spheres. No accumulation of electron-dense material in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi of the oocyte is found. Both trypan blue and ferritin are accumulated by the oocyte.The follicle cells have an elaborate endoplasmic reticulum during the period of maximum yolk accumulation. Adjacent cells are joined at their base by a zonula adhaerens, forming a band around the cells, and by plaques of gap junctions. Gap junctions are also present between nurse cells and follicle cells. During chorion formation, septate junctions also appear between follicle cells, adjacent to the zonula adhaerens.

Notizen: The facial musculature and rhinarial anatomy of a tayassuid, Dicotyles, and four suids, Sus, Hylochoerus, Phacochoerus and Babirussa, are described. Differences found include the lack of m. zygomaticus in Hylochoerus and Phacochoerus and several modifications of the rostral muscles, mm. levator rostri, dilator naris, and depressor rostri. These differences are related to behavioral characteristics of the animals, particularly the occurrence of toothbaring and rhinarial mobility.The missing m. zygomaticus and relatively small mouth of Hylochoerus and Phacochoerus are probably associated with behavioral patterns which do not necessitate a large gape. In these genera the canines are exposed even when the mouth is closed. The development of the rostral musculature is correlated with movements of the rhinarium. Similarly, the distribution of terminal tendons depends on the shape of the nostril. In Hylochoerus and Phacochoerus, mobility of the rhinarium, especially the dorsal part, is less than in other suoids because of the firmer attachment of the rostral bone to the skull and the weaker development of the rostral muscles.

Notizen: The formed elements of the blood of L. corrianus are comprised exclusively of amoebocytes, whose total number is approximately 758 per cubic mm of blood. The blood cells are of three types, viz. acidophils, large basophils and small basophils, which are respectively 26.32%, 60.20% and 13.48% of the total blood cell population. The cytoplasm of the acidophils is filled with large acidophilic granules, while that of the basophils contains fine basophilic granules. Acidophils are the largest (7.6 μ × 6.7 μ), large basophils are smaller (6.5 μ × 4.9 μ), and small basophils are the smallest (4.1 μ × 3.8 μ). The nucleus occupies a very small volume of the cell (approx. 1/9th) in acidophils, a larger volume (approx. 1/4th) in large basophils, and a major volume (approx. 3/4th) in small basophils. The blood cells show amoeboid movement, which is brought about by means of broad lamellate pseudopodia. Large basophils move very slowly, acidophils move faster, and small basophils move quite fast. Fine bristle-like filipodia help the blood cells in getting entangled to form clumps. Filipodia are more abundant in large basophils and acidophils which pertake more actively in clumping than small basophils which rarely possess filipodia. Clumping is a reversible process which is promoted by mechanical agitation of blood.

Notizen: Electron microscopic studies of the neurohypophysis and saccus vasculosus of the bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) reveal an apocrine release of secretory material by ependymal cells (e.g., crown cells). The secretory material appears to migrate along the microtubular apparatus and the ciliary filaments to the cell buds. It is postulated that the formation of the buds and their release is mediated by cilial action. Secretion buds are noted in the cerebrospinal fluid and vascular sinusoids.Bulbous projections of neurohypophyseal secretory tracts extend into the ependymal lumen which also contains elementary secretion granules. Specialized “liquorkontaktneurone” are interspersed with ependymal cells.An interrelation between the hypothalamus, neurohypophysis, saccus vasculosus, and the meta-adenohypophysis is postulated.

Notizen: In contrast to the so-called true ruminants, the compartmentalized stomach of these camelids contained an extensive mucigenous glandular mucosa. This mucosal epithelium was studied with the light and electron microscope. Surface, foveolar, isthmic, and end-piece regions were identified. Undifferentiated cells with many free ribosomes and few mucigen granules were found in the gland isthmus. More fully differentiated mucigenous cells with fewer free ribosomes, an extensive Golgi complex and a large heterogeneous population of secretory granules were observed in the subjacent end-piece. These cells were compared with cardiac and other gastric glandular epithelia. The cells in the foveola contained a more extensive granular reticulum, a prominent Golgi complex, and large numbers of mucigen granules and mitochondria. In the upper foveolar cells, large supranuclear and narrow apical accumulations of mucigen granules were separated by an intervening mitochondrial mass. In the tall surface cells there was a diminution in the number of mucigen granules and a concomitant supranuclear massing of mitochondria. Basally, these cells were often separated by prominent intercellular spaces. Effete surface cells were also noted. These lacked desmosomal attachments and sometimes appeared partially extruded. These findings suggested that cells derived from the undifferentiated isthmic cells moved up the foveola and onto the luminal surface. During this migration, these cells appeared to undergo sequential cytologic differentiation. The possible functional significance of these differentiations was considered.

Notizen: Tadpoles of several different genera were fed graded suspensions of uniform polystyrene particles to determine the lower size limit of particles that could be ingested. Certain tadpoles can extract suspended particles as small as 0.126 μ in diameter from the water. In terms of particle size, this is an efficiency comparable to the best mechanical sieves that can currently be produced by man. A mechanism for ultrasplanktonic entrapment is proposed on the basis of scanning electron micrographs of the secretory ridges in the branchial food traps of Rana catesbeiana before and after feeding.Xenopus tadpoles in yeast suspensions modify their clearance and buccal pumping rates in response to varying food concentrations. This may be an adaptation for maintaining a constant input of food mass to the tissues that extract the food from the water.Variability in the lower size limit of filterable particles among tadpoles of different genera correlates with the availability of suspended matter in the microhabitat where these tadpoles may be found.

Notizen: The cibarial food pump of heteropteran insects conveys fluid food from the piercing stylets to the pharynx. In aquatic Heteroptera the pump also grinds and filters particulate matter in the food stream. The pump's sclerotized triturating devices differ from one family to the next and are often quite elaborate: because of their small size they are best studied by means of the scanning electron microscope. In Notonecta the main triturating devices occur on the transverse plates of the epipharyngeal roof of the pump. They consist of a complex anterior zone with raised nodes and bifurcating longitudinal ridges, and a simpler posterior zone with small nodules. Additional triturating surfaces occur on the hypopharyngeal floor of the pump. The oblique folds of the epipharynx, which lie anterior to the transverse plates, play only an accessory role. The fine structure of the grinding surfaces on the transverse plates of Gelastocoris (Gelastocoridae), Ambrysus (Naucoridae), and Aphelocheirus (Aphelocheiridae) is here briefly described and compared with that of Notonecta.

Notizen: A cinematographic analysis of the unrestrained walking, trotting, galloping, jumping and landing movements of 11 adult cats was undertaken to provide previously unavailable information concerning the demands imposed on the nervous system for the control of low and high speed movements and the demands imposed by such natural movements on muscle performance and proprioceptive response.With due regard for the swing (F and E1) and stance (E2 and E3) phases of the step cycle of an individual limb, single frame analysis of the film permitted measurement of instantaneous angles of the lower spine, hip, knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints. Appropriate lever arm measurements were also made on 50 freshly dispatched cats and 25 cadavers such that the Law of Cosines could be used to calculate instantaneous lengths of select hind limb muscles that would apply to the natural movements of adult cats of small (1.5-2.5 Kg), intermediate (2.6-3.5 Kg) and large (3.6-4.5 Kg) size. Muscle displacements were analyzed relative to maximum and minimus in situ lengths and the lengths associated with quiet standing. Use was also made of a previous electromyographic analysis of hind limb muscles during unrestrained locomotion (Engberg and Lundberg, '69).The sequential relations between the four phases of the step cycle are maintained as forward speed increases from walking ( 〈 2 mph) to high speed galloping ( 〉 16 mph). There are significant differences in the time consumed by each phase, however, with a greater reduction in the E3 phase, little reduction in the E2 and E1 phases and virtually no reduction in the F phase. When each phase is expressed as a relative percentage of the duration of the total step cycle, the greatest reduction is again in E3 with little change in the E2 phase. In contrast F and E1 phases increase in the percent of time they occur in each cycle, with the greatest increase in the F phase. For all speeds, analysis of the phase relations between movements of various sections of the hind limb revealed a remarkable unity of knee and ankle joint movement. The hip joint is largely out of phase with the knee and ankle during E1 and E2, all three joints being in phase in F and E3. The digits are essentially out of phase with the other joints except in the stance phase of the gallop.Rates and extents of muscle displacement during natural movements are greater than might be anticipated when expressed in absolute mm's and mm/sec but not when considered in relation to maximum and minimum in situ length and the length associated with quiet standing (Ls). During stepping a progressive increase in forward speed results in: (a) a greater usage of muscles at lengths between Ls and maximum in situ length; (b) for knee and ankle extensors, pronounced increase in the lengthening contraction associated with the E2 (yield) phase of step; and, (c) for both flexor and extensor muscles, an increased active phase of lengthening or near isometric contraction immediately prior to periods of active shortening. In contrast to these changes in active muscle status, the change from walking to galloping has little effect on the extent and rate of passive muscle displacements, particularly the F phase stretch of extensors.For the soleus muscle, calculations were made of the relation between changes in overall muscle length during natural movements and the length of the average muscle fiber and the tendon of insertion. These measurements revealed that the increases in fiber length when passive and decreases in length during active shortening are less than would be anticipated from the extensive liteature on extirpated fibers. In contrast, the increase in fiber length when active is greater than would be expected from the admittedly sparse literature on this subject.The results of this study are discussed largely in relation to two points of neurophysiological interest: the physiological range of muscle stretch as it pertains to the responsiveness of muscle spindles and tendon organs; and those mechanical aspects of lengthening contractions that give insight into the neural control of stepping. For exciting both spindles and tendon organs passive muscle stretch and shortening contractions are shown to be relatively ineffective and lengthening and isometric contractions particularly effective movements. It is suggested that, just as recent literature has emphasized the co-activation of efferent alpha and gamma motoneurons as a muscle becomes active, so too is there a synchronous activation of afferents, particularly the Ia and group II endings of muscle spindles and Ib endings of tendon organs. Finally the thesis is advanced that, while it has been convenient to separate E2 from E3 in the description of the stance phase of the step cycle, extensor muscles are actually undergoing a single mechanical event: an active stretch-shorten cycle for knee and ankle extensors and an active isometric-shorten cycle for hip extensors. This hypothesis has significant implications for the neural control program that regulates the stepping sequence in that it emphasizes the extent to which appropriate changes must be preprogrammed in the mechanical properties of muscles for the smooth execution of stepping.

Notizen: Cytological and cytochemical methods were used to identify and characterzie six distinct regions of the crayfish kidney: coelomosac, labyrinth I and II, and nephridial canal I, II, and III. Cells of the coelomosac possess cytoplasm which is strongly PAS-positive, but poor in RNA and protein. Their nuclei possess unusual projections which extend to the basal plasmalemma. Labyrinth I contains columnar cells rich in glycogen. Labyrinth II is characterized by a distended lumen and by shorter cells with high cytoplasmic RNA, many possessing a large intracellular vacuole. A PAS-positive brush border is unique to the two portions of the labyrinth. Cells in the nephridial canal show strong reactions for RNA and Mg++-dependent ATPase. In nephridial canal I and II, cells are flattened to cuboidal with the lumen being more distended in nephridial canal I than anywhere else in the tubule. In nephridial canal III, the cells are large and columnar, and the cytoplasmic RNA concentration is greatest apically. Nuclei in all regions of the tubule epithelium, except coelomosac, are large and react strongly for protein. Coelomosac nuclei and those in blood cells are condensed and contain little protein. The cytoplasm of blood cells displays a significant amount of RNA, and traces of polysaccharide material.These observations demonstrate the presence of highly specialized morphological and histochemical alterations along the length of the kidney tubule and indicate sequential modification of urine in the lumen. Evident morphological and cytochemical likenesses between analogous regions of the mammlian nephron and the crayfish kidney tubule suggest that basic physiological similarities may also exist.

Notizen: In the tiger salamnder the distribution of optic fibers, as revealed by the Fink-Heimer method, is compared with the localization of acetylcholinesterase, as revealed by histochemical methods. AChE activity coincides with optic nerve axons in the optic fiber layer of the retina, in the optic nerve, in the optic tracts and in every optic projection. Reginons of optic fiber terminals show heavier activity than optic fibers of passage. Comparison with other vertebrates is also made.

Notizen: Light and electron microscope studies indicate that the old ependyma just proximal to the plane of amputation in early lizard tail regenerates shows a sequence of morphological changes which suggests that it as well as the new ependyma growing into the regenerate may play an active role in the initiation and maintenance of early tail regeneration.The old ependyma close to the plane of amputation undergoes hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia causing a partial closure of the central canal and pseudostratification. Its nuclei shift from an original apical position to a basal one. The ependymal processes become more prominent and extend to the pia, a condition not found more rostrally. There is also a significant increase in the amount of Golgi substance and a moderate increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These observations lead to the thought that these cellular changes may be an expression of enhanced secretion and other activities in the old and new ependyma just proximal or distal to the plane of amputation.

Notizen: The dorsal proctodeal wall of the Coturnix contains a gland which is especially well-developed in the sexually active male and which secretes a foamy exudate. This gland has not been recorded in any other genus of birds and appears to be unique to members of the genus Coturnix. On the basis of its location in the adult we have named this gland the proctodeal gland (glandula proctodealis). Structure of the gland does not conform to any curently defined category of glands because it is an aggregate of individual glandular units each of which opens independently into the proctodeal cavity but with the entire structure enclosed by a connective tissue capsule. We have thus characterized it as an aggregate gland. Observations on the arrangement and composition of the fibrous capsule and its intimate relationship to the perimysium of M. sphincter cloacae indicate that release of the secretion probably results from contraction of the cloacal musculature. Preliminary data suggest that development of glandular tissue in the female may be a function of age rather than of androgen sensitivity which characterizes the male gland. It is concluded that the chemical nature of the glandular secretion and its function in the sexually active bird, as based on presently available information, remains unknown.

Notizen: Wound healing in the integument of the sea cucumber, Thyone briareus, was studied for up to 50 days after inflicting wide excisional wounds and for 14 days after producing incisional wounds. Rapid re-epithelialization of the wound was effected by the migration of epidermal cells and pigment cells from the periphery of the wound margin. This occurred without apparent evidence of concomitant mitotic activity. Dermal wound healing was completed by the fourteenth day in the incision wounds but occurred very slowly in the broad excision wounds. Morula cells seem to be involved in both epidermal and dermal wound healing, although their precise role is unknown. In excisional wounds the integument was never completely restored to its normal appearance during 50 days of observation.

Notizen: Scanning electron microscopy revealed spores of Nosema apis and Thelohania fibrata to be egg-shaped, but only the mature spore of T. fibrata was shown to possess a horseshoe-like concavity at the posterior pole. Freezeetched preparations indicated that this concavity was due to a thin area of the spore coat. Freeze-etching studies also show spores of N. apis do possess an umbrella-shaped polaroplast, and a polar filament which is arranged in a double layer with over 30 coils. The spore of T. fibrata contains a pear-shaped arrangement of the polaroplast membrane, and a polar filament arranged in a single layer of 22 coils.

Notizen: The development of the electric organs of Gymnarchus niloticus has been studied and the origin and histogenesis of an electroplate worked out. A segmental origin of the electroplate is reported for the first time for this fish. Light has been thrown on many hitherto obscure phenomena, viz., growth of core girth, loss of transverse striations on the myofibrillar elements, differentiation of electroplate polarities, shortening in length of the electroplate etc. The transverse striations of the myofibrillar bundle of the electroplate primordium progressively disappear with development owing to splitting apart of the constituent myofilaments and consequent loss of their parallel order, and not to degeneration of the myofibrillar bundle. The excessive growth of the core girth of the electroplates is caused by the deposition of some kind of interfibrillar substance probably secreted by the peripheral cytoplasm.

Notizen: The structure of the caudal muscle in the tadpole larva of the compound ascidian Distaplia occidentalis has been investigated with light and electron microscopy. The two muscle bands are composed of about 1500 flattened cells arranged in longitudinal rows between the epidermis and the notochord. The muscle cells are mononucleate and contain numerous mitochondria, a small Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, proteid-yolk inclusions, and large amounts of glycogen. The myofibrils and sarcoplasmic reticulum are confined to the peripheral sarcoplasm.Myofibrils are discrete along most of their length but branch near the tapered ends of the muscle cell, producing a Felderstruktur. The myofibrils originate and terminate at specialized intercellular junctional complexes. These myomuscular junctions are normal to the primary axes of the myofibrils and resemble the intercalated disks of vertebrate cardiac muscle. The myofibrils insert at the myomuscular junction near the level of a Z-line. Thin filaments (presumably actin) extend from the terminal Z-line and make contact with the sarcolemma. These thin filaments frequently appear to be continuous with filaments in the extracellular junctional space, but other evidence suggests that the extracellular filaments are not myofilaments.A T-system is absent, but numerous peripheral couplings between the sarcolemma and cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are present on all cell surfaces. Cisternae coupled to the sarcolemma are continuous with transverse components of SR which encircle the myofibrils at each I-band and H-band. The transverse component over the I-band consists of anastomosing tubules applied as a single layer to the surface of the myofibril. The transverse component over the H-band is also composed of anastomosing tubules, but the myofibrils are invested by a double or triple layer. Two or three tubules of sarcoplasmic reticulum interconnect consecutive transverse components.Each muscle band is surrounded by a thin external lamina. The external lamina does not parallel the irregular cell contours nor does it penetrate the extracellular space between cells. In contracted muscle, the sarcolemmata at the epidermal and notochordal boundaries indent to the level of each Z-line, and peripheral couplings are located at the base of the indentations. The external lamina and basal lamina of the epidermis are displaced toward the indentations.The location, function, and neuromuscular junctions of larval ascidian caudal muscle are similar to vertebrate somatic striated muscle. Other attributes, including the mononucleate condition, transverse myomuscular junctions, prolific gap junctions, active Golgi apparatus, and incomplete nervous innervation are characteristic of vertebrate cardiac muscle cells.

Notizen: The development of the distal interphalangeal joint in Rana pipiens hind limb was studied by light and electron microscopy. The joint was found to be a symphysis since the two articular surfaces originally capped by hyaline cartilage were separated by a joint area filled with fibrous connective tissue which ultimately was replaced by fibrocartilage. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the joint area development was divided into three phases. Phase I was concerned with the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, phase II with fibroblastic and chondroblastic development, and phase III with the appearance of fibrocartilage. Changes in the cytoplasmic organelles of fibroblasts and chondroblasts, surrounding extracellular matrix, and factors related to extracellular matrix formation were described and discussed.

Notizen: The Speckled Trout blastoderm at the late high blastula stage is characterized by two different cell populations. The “light” blastomeres comprise one cell type while the “dark” and “medium” blastomeres appear to differ from one another only in degree and thus may be considered as the second type.“Dark” and “medium” blastomeres are irregular in shape, are located centrally and deep in the blastoderm, have an abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum with associated 520 Å glycogen particles and a single mitochondrial profile. The “light” blastomeres have randomly arranged glycogen particles in minimal quantities in contrast to the “medium” and “dark” blastomeres and in addition exhibit three mitochondrial profiles, which could however represent artifacts.It is postulated that in the Speckled Trout cellular differentiation has commenced by the third day of incubation at 10°C and that this is manifested visually by the appearance of two different cell populations; the more differentiated “dark” and “medium” blastomeres possibly destined to give rise to the hypoblast and the less differentiated “light” blastomeres.

Notizen: Neurosecretory cells of only one type (A, sub type A2) are seen in adult Melanoplus. Two groups of about 400 cells each are located dorsally in the pars intercerebralis medialis; four cells are located deep within the protocerebrum. We found no neurosecretory cells in other parts of the central or sympathetic nervous systems. In about 10% of the specimens, there was marked asymmetry in the location of the dorsal cell groups, with both of these groups and their axons located in one lobe of the protocerebrum.The nervi corporis cardiaci 1 cross-over in the corpus cardiacum, with the result that material produced by neurosecretory cells on one side of the brain is transported along axons that undergo two chiasmata to the corpus cardiacum of the same side.Stainable secretory material could be traced clearly from the cerebral cells to the corpus cardiacum, and even into the oesophageal nerves from the hypocerebral ganglion. However, stainable neurosecretory material is never present in the corpus allatum or along any of the nerves to this gland.

Notizen: The integument and podia of the sea cucumber Thyone briareus were examined by bright field and electron microscopy. The epidermal surface was found to be covered by an acellular, PAS positive cuticle which appeared to be secreted by the underlying epidermal cells. Although the superficial portion of the cuticle contains numerous fine filaments, their ultrastructure bears no resemblance to collagen fibers. The epidermal cells are widely spaced and have long apical processes that extend along the under surface of the cuticle forming a contiguous epithelium. The apical expansions of the epidermal cells are attached to one another by means of septate desmosomes which may run continuously around all epidermal cells. Special attachment structures within these apical expansions appear to bind the cuticle to the dermis. The epidermal cells and their apical expansions are separated from the dermis by an 800 Å thick basement membrane. Granule containing cells in the upper dermis send processes up to the cuticle where they are bound to the typical epidermal cells by septate desmosomes. The abundant membrane bound granules of the cells enter villous-like processes which pass through the cuticle. The function of these cells may be to produce an adhesive material on the podia or they may be pigment cells.The thick dermis consists of a superficial zone, containing largely ground substance; a middle or laminated zone containing laminae of collagen fibers arranged in an orthogonal fashion; and a hypodermis consisting largely of ground substance and reticular fibers. Fibroblasts are abundant in the superficial dermis and between the collagen laminae. Wandering coelomocytes, or morula cells, accumulate between the collagen laminae and in the hypodermis. They may also become an integral part of the epidermis by forming septate desmosomes with epidermal cells. Morula cells contain highly specialized spherules whose tinctorial properties and electron microscopic appearance suggest that they contain protein and mucopolysaccharide.

Notizen: The present work describes the ultrastructure of the spinal cord in the regenerating tail of the lizard, Anolis. The distal growing region of the tail contains the advancing ependymal tube which is relatively devoid of axons but already contains channels between ependymal cell processes which anticipate their ingrowth. More proximally, fascicles of naked axons having their origin in the stump are present in the ependymal channels. Therefore, the pattern of fiber regeneration in the spinal cord is prescribed by the ependyma and not by the growing axons. Details of the ultrastructure of proximal, intermediate, and distal regions of the regenerate are reported. Particular attention is paid to the structure and differentiation of the ependymal cells and the relation of the ependyma to other glial cells, to nerve fibers, and to meningeal tissues.

Notizen: Some of the cytological and histochemical characteristics of hemocytes of Thyropygus poseidon were studied. Jone's system of classification of hemocytes was extended to millipede hemocytes. Seven classes were identified as prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granular hemocytes, cytocytes, oenocytoids, spherule cells and adipohemocytes. Oenocytoids were rarely found. All cells except prohemocytes and oenocytoids sequestered oxidized products of catechol. Results of the histochemical tests for proteins also suggest that these cells sequester plasma proteins. Cytocytes do not bring about any visible coagulation similar to the hemocytes of some hemipteran insects. Granular hemocytes contain phenol-oxidase capable of oxidising tyrosine as well as catechol, similar to the hemocytes of crustaceans. In this respect millipede hemocytes differ from insect hemocytes. It is suggested that these cell types may represent distinct cell lines and may not represent transformation of one cell type to another.

Notizen: Twenty-three stages in the embryonic development of the western painted turtle, Chrysemys picta bellii are described. The staging is based primarily on morphological changes, as well as age and size of the embryo.

Notizen: Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the surface area and number per unit area of microvilli from jejunal villus epithelial cells in the rat, hamster and dog.The calculated mean microvillus surface area was 0.419 μ2, 0.573 μ2, 0.751 μ2 for the rat, hamster and dog respectively.The largest number of microvilli per square micron freeze dried villus surface was measured in the rat with a mean value of 65. Hamster and dog freeze dried specimens had lower mean values of 54 and 34 microvilli respectively.The total microvilli surface area in square micron per square micron villus surface was more closely related for the three species with values of 27.23 for the rat, 30.94 for the hamster and 25.53 for the dog.These data indicate an inverse relationship between the mean microvillus surface area and population density in the species studied. However, the total microvilli surface area per unit villus surface is relatively similar for the three species.The observed number of microvilli per unit villus surface was shown to vary depending upon the dehydration technique employed for preparation of scanning electron microscopic specimens. This variation probably reflects shrinkage artifact and should be considered in soft tissue studies involving the scanning electron microscope.

Notizen: In Esox americanus and Esox niger (Esocidae) there are two types of surface pits, sensory and nonsensory. Both types of pits are morphologically very similar and are associated with modified (cardioid) scales. The pits are distinguished by the presence and absence respectively of neuromasts. Ultrastructure of the neuromasts indicates that they are basically similar to previously described neuromasts. However, the hair cells have crystalline-like deposits in the nuclear region. The nonsensory pit contains a small group of distinct epidermal cells, called central cells. These cells occupy a central position in the pit, similar to that of the neuromasts in the sensory pit. The central cells are unlike any cell types described for fishes, and on an ultrastructural basis no function can be ascribed to them and the significance of the nonsensory pit is unknown.

Notizen: Esox americanus and Esox niger (esocidae) possess two types of surface pits, sensory and nonsensory. The pits are morphologically very similar and both are associated with modified (cardioid) scales. The pits are distinguished by neuromasts in the sensory and central cells in the nonsensory pit.Neuromasts and central cells are responsible for the formation and maintenance of respectively the pit and cardioid scale. This supports an extension of the epidermal co-participation hypothesis that epidermal cells control the form of dermal structures in addition to contributing to composition.The central cells are similar in structure to induced primordial cells of regenerating neuromasts.The development of primordial cells may be arrested and the cells maintained in a static condition during which time they still influence the dermal tissues and maintain a pit and cardioid scale. Essentially this represents the experimental conversion of a sensory pit into a nonsensory pit. This evidence is taken in support of the hypothesis that the nonsensory pit and central cells represent an aplasic condition of the lateral line system.

Notizen: The gular gland of the bat Tadarida brasiliensis is a specialized sebaceous gland located in the skin of the suprasternal region of adult males. It consists of an aggregation of simple branched tubulo-acinar gland units, the number of which varies seasonally. Each acinus is composed of densely packed sebaceous cells at various stages of differentiation. Acinar basal cells and cells of the epithelium of the ducts can differentiate into sebaceous cells. Two main changes appear in the cytoplasm concurrent with the sebaceous transformation: the differentiation of cytoplasmic organelles and the deposition of lipid material. The appearance of a different type of mitochondrion and the development of large numbers of ribosomes and polyribosomes can be recognized in the cytoplasm at an early stage of differentiation. Concomitant with the deposition of significant numbers of lipid droplets, the cells develop abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum occurring mainly as scattered tubular cisternae. These at times form whorls surrounding lipid droplets. At later stages, the cisternae of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum often occur in crystalline arrays between secretory oil droplets. The roles of the different cytoplasmic organelles, especially in relation to the production of sebum, are discussed.

Notizen: The mutant gene srn produces sireniform abnormalities in the mouse. The effects of this gene on normal prenatal development were examined histologically by retrograde analysis from day 10 through day 18 of gestation.The sireniformphenotype is characterized by the fusion of the hindlimbs and accompanying defects of the posterior appendicular skeleton. Visceral defects involve the urogenital system and the lower intestinal tract. A single umbilical artery arises from the dorsal aorta and controls the fetal circulatory pathway normally mediated by the lateral umbilical arteries. This artery is believed to have resulted from the fusion of the paired primitive umbilical arteries.It is suggested that the srn mutation causes a narrowing of the posterior amnion early in development. The resulting abnormal pressure causes a dorsal displacement of the hindgut, allowing fusion of the hindlimb buds. Abnormal structural relationships and pressure in the narrowed posteriior region disrupt normal urogenital and intestinal development and increase the proximity of the primitive umbilical arteries.