bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative electromyography of the masticatory muscles of Pteropus giganteus (Megachiroptera)
Authors: De Gueldre Greet , De Vree Frits
Published: February 2005

Mastication has been studied by cinematography and quantitative electromyography while flying foxes, Pteropus giganteus, were freely feeding on standardized pieces of apple, soaked raisin, and banana.

The primarily orthal mandibular movements are caused by mainly bilaterally symmetrical firing of all the masticatory muscles. Asymmetric activity in the superficial and deep masseter and medial pterygoid causes slight protrusion early in opening. Slight lateral deviations at the end of opening and at the start of closing are caused by asymmetric and asynchronous activity in the pterygoids and digastrics, and by asynchronous firing of the deep temporalis and zygomaticomandibularis. Food consistency affects movement characteristics as well as characteristics of muscular activity.

In this study electromyograms were digitized and the number of spikes and mean amplitude per interval (set by the filming rate) recorded. Although a significant correlation exists between these descriptors, the product thereof appears to be the best predictor of certain kinematic variables (cycle length and maximum excursion of the mandible). On the other hand, the changes in magnitude of muscular activity as a function of the position of a cycle in the reduction sequence and as a function of food consistency are more translated in a variation of the mean amplitude than in a variation of the number of spikes per interval. Observed variation differs among muscles studied. It is most apparent in the superficial and deep masseter and least in the temporalis and zygomaticomandibularis.

Late cycles of apple and raisin mastication are long and exhibit large gapes but almost no anterior movement. The adductor activity frequently shows a synchronized, pulsatile pattern leading to an unfused tetanus.
The cephalic vascular anatomy of three species of sea snakes
Authors: Young Bruce A.
Published: February 2005

The primary and secondary elements of the cephalic vascular system in some sea snakes are similar to those of the generalized ophidian pattern. The three species examined in this study revealed only minor variations in vascular morphology; these variations appear to be correlated with myological differences among the three species. For example, in Hydrophis melanocephalus it appears that the depressor mandibulae artery is displaced by the cranially expanded insertion of the semi‐spinalis and spinalis muscles. A preliminary hypothesis is put forth that explains the apparent constancy of the cephalic vascular system of ophidians in terms of possible constraints due to cranial kinesis.
Ultrastructure of the anterior salivary gland cells of the giant leech, Haementeria ghilianii (Annelida, Hirudinea)
Authors: Walz Bernd , Schäffner Karl‐Heinz , Sawyer Roy T.
Published: February 2005

The giant anterior salivary gland cells from the large mammalian blood‐sucking, glossiphoniid leech, Haementeria ghilianii, can be subdivided into three morphologically and functionally distinct regions: (1) a soma, responsible for the synthesis and storage of secretory products; (2) a long cell process, responsible for the storage and intracellular transport of the secretory vesicles; and (3) the site of exocytosis at the process terminal. The giant somata are densely packed with secretory vesicles. Deep plasmalemmal invaginations invade the soma and form an extensive system of extracellular lacunae. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus are organized in the cell periphery, near the highly branched nucleus, and along the lacunae. The somata taper into long processes extending over several centimeters to the proboscis tip. These contain secretory vesicles through their whole length. In the process periphery, the vesicles are completely ensheathed by a concentric subplasmalemmal smooth ER cisterna. This originates deeply within the soma and extends through the whole cell process to its terminal. The ER provides support for up to several hundred longitudinally oriented microtubules. Secretion occurs at the very tip of the cell processes, each of which terminates at the proboscis tip at the base of a cuticular pore.

We found synapses close to the sites of exocytosis, providing morphological evidence for neuronal control of secretion.
Specialization in the diencephalon of advanced teleosts
Authors: Gómez‐Segade Pablo , Anadón Ramón
Published: February 2005

Cytoarchitectonic studies of the pretectum and diencephalon of five teleosts (Gaidropsarus mediterraneus, Syngnathus acus, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Pleuronectes platessa, and Coris julis) have shown the hypothalamus to be the most highly developed region in all five. The nucleus praeopticus magnocellularis is well developed in Coris and the euryhalines Gasterosteus and Pleuronectes; in Coris and Pleuronectes the nucleus lateralis tuberis is also prominent. Except in Gaidropsarus, however, the most striking area in the hypothalamus is the glomerulosus complex, with its voluminous nucleus glomerulosus. In Coris and Pleuronectes a glomerular offshoot of this nucleus in the dorsal thalamus is evidence of its being homologous with the nucleus anterior thalami of primitive teleosts. The nucleus diffusus is also very large in all except Gaidropsarus. In Coris and Syngnathus the saccus vasculosus exhibits a peduncle, and in Pleuronectes it invades the hypophysis. The descriptive analysis is complemented by measuring the relative size and cell density of the cell groups studied.

A comparison among the five species studied shows that nuclei probably related to the olfactory system are more developed in Gaidropsarus and Pleuronectes, whereas the supposed visual nuclei are prominent in Coris, Gasterosteus, and Syngnathus but poorly developed in Gaidropsarus. In general, the findings of the present study, together with published results concerning Lizza (Gómez‐Segade and Anadón, Trab. Inst. Cajal Invest. Biol. 72:187–214, 1981), show that Coris has the most complex diencephalon among these species. Moreover, Gaidropsarus presents an organization very different from that of the other five species and probably represents a parallel evolutionary lineage.
Dense granule‐containing cells in arterial chemoreceptor areas of the tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
Authors: Kusakabe T. , Ishii K. , Ishii K.
Published: February 2005

Light‐ and electron‐microscopic observations of the chemosensory areas of the arteries of the tortoise (Testudo hermanni) reveal that clusters of nonmuscular cells are found in the adventitial layer of restricted regions of the carotid artery, aortic arch, and pulmonary artery. In these clusters, three types of cells are complexly interwoven: the G‐cell closely resembles the glomus cell, which has been found in the arterial chemoreceptor area of several animal species; the LG‐cell has very large electron‐dense granules; the third type is a G‐ and LG‐cell supporting cell. Membrane specializations are often observed at apposing membranes between G‐cells. Two kinds of nerve endings synapse with G‐cells, one with numerous clear synaptic vesicles, the other without vesicles. Some G‐cells are in membrane‐to‐membrane contact with smooth‐muscle cells (g‐s connection), and here a membrane thickening is visible. Nerve terminals with numerous synaptic vesicles synapse with the LG‐cells. The G‐cell in the carotid artery, the aorta, and the pulmonary artery is a chemoreceptor element ultrastructurally the same as the glomus cell in the arterial chemoreceptor area of various vertebrate species.
Embryonic growth and trophotaenial development in goodeid fishes (Teleostei: Atheriniformes)
Authors: Lombardi Julian , Wourms John P.
Published: February 2005

Embryonic growth and trophotaenial development are examined in two species of goodeid fish, Ameca splendens and Goodea atripinnis. During gestation of A. splendens, embryonic dry mass may increase from 0.21 mg at the onset of development to 31.70 mg at term. In G. atripinnis, embryonic dry mass ranges from 0.25 mg at the onset of development to 3.15 mg at term. Increase in mass is primarily due to the uptake of maternally derived nutrients by trophotaeniae, externalized embryonic gut derivatives. Trophotaenial development in both species is divisible into five phases. During the first phase, the anus is formed. The second phase involves dilation of the anus, enlargement of the perianal lips, differentiation of the hindgut absorptive epithelium, and formation of the trophotaenial peduncle. The third phase is characterized by a further marked hypertrophy and lateral expansion of the perianal lips that results in the formation of short trophotaenial processes. During the fourth phase, there is continued outward expansion of the inner mucosal surface of the trophotaenial peduncle that results in its eversion and lobulation. Placental function is established by this phase. Axial elongation and dichotomous branching of trophotaenial processes occurs during the fifth phase. Development of rosette and ribbon trophotaeniae differ in the degree of axial elongation during the fifth and final phase.
The labral glands in Centropages typicus (Copepoda, Calanoida). II. Sites of secretory release
Authors: Arnaud Jean , Brunet Michel , Mazza Jacques
Published: February 2005

Two groups of external excretory pores associated with glandular units (AU and LPU) were observed on the labrum, one pair laterally and three pairs posteriorly. Each external pore leads to an underlying conical, flask‐shaped epidermal chamber. The wide base of this chamber is perforated by an internal pore that delivers secretions from the excretory duct of a glandular unit. The chambers serve to protect the internal pores from turbulence in the outside environment. Expulsion of secretions from the chambers is probably brought about by contraction of labral striated muscles, which synchronizes opening of the AU and LPU pores. A complex funnel‐shaped structure forms the internal end of the excretory duct between each chamber and the corresponding pole of accumulation for the secretory product of a glandular unit. This structure, composed of an epidermal syncytium lined by a sleeve of several aligned auxiliary cells, probably ensures a tight connection between the epidermal chamber and the syncytium. The dorsalmost glandular units (LDU) have no pores in the vicinity of their poles of accumulation. Instead they secrete through cuticular ducts delimited by aligned auxiliary cells. External pores for these canals have not yet been located. The secretions of lateral pores may be mucopolysaccharides that play an essential role in agglutination of food particles soon after capture, while the secretions of posterior pores may contain glycoproteins that mix with food only after ingestion into the buccal cavity and probably start the process of digestion.
Development of the Malpighian tubules in Cloeon dipterum (Ephemeroptera)
Authors: Nüesch Hans
Published: February 2005

The development of the Malpighian tubules is studied in Cloeon dipterum through all stages from the youngest larva to the adult. The Malpighian tubules are found to be outgrowths of the posterior part of the endodermal midgut and not of the ectodermal hindgut. In the adult the part of the intestine with the tubule openings becomes separated by an ingrowing fold of the epithelium from the anterior main part of the midgut that forms a large thin‐walled and air‐filled bladder. The characteristics of the developmental stages, which served to determine the age of the animals, are given.
Ultrastructure of the “pigment knob” ofPleuromammaspp. (Copepoda: Calanoida)
Authors: Blades‐Eckelbarger Pamela I. , Youngbluth Marsh J.
Published: February 2005

The calanoid copepod genusPleuromammais easily distinguished from all other copepods by the presence of a rounded, dark‐red cuticular structure ( = pigment knob) that protrudes from the left or right side of the second thoracic segment in both sexes. The present study of the pigment knob reveals a complex ultrastructure consisting of various cell types within three distinct areas that are bathed by hemolymph from the lateral sinus. The knob is covered by a greatly expanded cuticle through which a pore passes. The pore appears to connect with a centrally positioned pigment cell containing a large mass of darkly staining granules. This suggests that the knob may have a secretory function. Observations of live animals and dissected pigment knobs, however, indicates that the knob does not secrete a luminescent material nor does it luminesce internally.
Stages of oocyte development in the pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli
Authors: Begovac Paul C. , Wallace Robin A.
Published: February 2005

Oocyte development occurs in a temporal and spatial pattern in the ovary of the pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli. Cytological observations combined with [3H]thymidine uptake and cell culture were used as criteria to identify six stages of oocyte development in this species. Stage I—Oogonia, found within the germinal ridge. Stage II—Oocytes in primary growth, subdivided into (1) chromatin‐nucleolus oocytes in early prophase I of meiosis, also found within the germinal ridge, and (2) perinucleolar oocytes, which possess multiple nucleoli and are within definitive follicles (the Balbiani vitelline body is the main cytoplasmic component in these latter oocytes). Stage III—Oocytes distinguished by the appearance of cortical alveoli, the vitelline envelope, and lipid. Stage IV—Vitellogenic oocytes, which accumulate yolk proteins and possess primary, transitional, and mature yolk spheres. Stage V—Maturational oocytes, which are competent to undergo final meiotic maturation in vivo and in response to the steroid 17 α‐hydroxy‐20β‐dihydroprogesterone in vitro. Stage VI—Ovulated mature eggs, which are present in the ovary lumen and are capable of being fertilized. These studies provide a staging series for oogenesis and oocyte development in the pipefish and relate these stages to the unusual ovary in this animal.
Spermiogenesis in the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus): A study of cytoplasmic events including cell volume changes and cytoplasmic elimination
Authors: Sprando R. L. , Russell L. D.
Published: February 2005

The process involved in the reduction of both nuclear and cytoplasmic volume was investigated in the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), a teleost fish. Young spermatids contained centrally positioned nuclei which, with time, moved toward the cell surface to become eccentrically positioned. Chromatin condensation was initiated from a region near the implantation fossa, whereas at the opposite pole of the nucleus an area sparse in heterochromatin (clear area) was noted. The nuclear membrane lying adjacent to the clear area dissolved and subsequently reformed, yielding a nucleus with a reduced volume. During this process, packets of cytoplasm surrounded by a double membrane were formed along the future midpiece. The packets of cytoplasm migrated toward the cell surface, protruded from the surface, and were extruded into the spermatocyst lumen. These structures, termed residual bodies, were subsequently endocytosed, accumulated into large phagocytic vocuoles, and eventually degraded by the nearby Sertoli cell. When the spermatocyst ruptured, spermatozoa containing sparse cytoplasm were released into the excurrent duct system. During spermiogenesis, both the nuclear and cytoplasmic volumes decreased substantially (80%, 92% respectively) leading to an overall 87% reduction in total cell volume.
Spermatogenesis in the salps Thalia democratica and Cyclosalpa affinis (Tunicata: Thaliacea): An electron microscopic study
Authors: Holland Linda Z.
Published: February 2005

The fine structure of the male germinal cells in testes of two salps, Thalia democratica and Cyclosalpa affinis, is identical. The earliest germ cells seen were spermatocytes, located at the periphery of the testis and sometimes connected by cytoplasmic bridges. They are spherical with an anucleolate nucleus, a pair of centrioles, aboundant free ribosomes, sparse rough endoplasmic reticulum, and about five mitochondria. No Golgi complex was seen. The earliest spermatids, though similar to the spermatocytes, are smaller and have only one centriole. Spermatids develop (1) singly, (2) joined by cytoplasmic bridges, or (3) in syncytia. The next stage has a flagellum, a single large mitochondrion with dense material in some intracristal spaces, and a patch of highly condensed chromatin in the nucleus adjacent to the centriole. Subsequently the nucleus and the spermatid elongate. During elongation (1) the mitochondrion remains lateral to the nucleus and the amount of intracristal material enlarges, (2) the central core of condensed chromatin increases, and (3) the remainder of the chromatin becomes organized into dense strands. When elongation is 75% complete, the dense strands of chromatin appear to coalesce, to become homogeneous and denser than the core of chromatin, and the mitochondrion transforms into dense tubules. Finally, the mitochondrion wraps around the nucleus and extends its entire length, ultimately becoming a single tubule spiraled about 45 times around the nucleus. The mature sperm head is 18 μm long, tapering from 0.8 μm posteriorly to a tip about 0.14 μm wide. There is no acrosome. The single (distal) centriole of the sperm gives rise to a 9+2 flagellum with a fuzzy coat and dense material peripheral to each of the nine doublets. Spermiogenesis in T. democratica and C. affinis is similar to that in ascidians, and the sperm share many features with sperm of colonial ascidians in the suborder Didemnidae. The results, therefore, suggest that salps are closely related to ascidians and support the view that colonial ascidians gave rise to salps.
Fine structure of oocyte maturation in a crinoid echinoderm, Oxycomanthus japonicus: A time‐lapse study by serial biopsy
Authors: Holland Nicholas D.
Published: February 2005

Natural maturation of the oocytes of Oxycomanthus japonicus can be predicte in advance, and the multiple ovaries permit unintrusive serial biopsies. Ovaries were fixed for transmission electron micrscopy at 15‐min intervals before, during, and after oocyte maturation. The start of maturation of each oocyte is signaled by the breakdown of the germinal vesicle and the disruption of a macula adhaerens associating the oocyte with nongerminal cells of the ovary. This disruption is followed by an ovulation of the oocyte into the ovarian lumen. Ovulation takes about 1 hr, and a continuous vitelline coat is produced around the oocyte during this interval. Within the oocyte cytoplasm, patches of nuage and the annulate lamellae disappear at 30 and 45 min after the start of oocyte maturation, respectively. Micropapillae become transiently abundant at the oocyte surface both at the time of germinal vesicle breakdown and around the time when the first and second polar bodies are produced. Oocyte maturation takes about 2 hr from start to finish, and the emission of the second polar body marks the beginning of the stage of the ovum. Within the cytoplasm of the ovum, the haploid chromosomes develop into chromosome‐containing vesicles, which later fuse into a single female pronucleus. Pronuclear ova are retained in the ovarian lumen for about 1 hr and are then spawned into the surrounding seawater, where fertilization takes place.
Morphology and ultrastructure of the sensory spine, a presumed mechanoreceptor of Sphaeroma hookeri (Crustacea, Isopoda), and remarks on similar spines in other peracarids
Authors: Brandt Angelika
Published: February 2005

The isopod Sphaeroma hookeri and many other isopods and peracarids have a sensory spine with laterally inserting sensory hair, positioned in the apical region of the propodal palm of pereopod 1. This spine is innervated by five to eight sensory cells (each giving rise to one cilium) the dendrites of which can be divided into an inner and outer dendritic segment. The cilia are surrounded by an extracellular, electron‐dense dendritic sheath. Thirteen enveloping cells are present. The outer dendritic segment (structure beyond the basal bodies) contains two receptor lymph cavities; the inner one lying within the dendritic sheath is homologous with the inner receptor lymph cavity of insects.

Scolopales, or tubular bodies, are lacking; their function is probably accomplished by the dendritic sheath. Apically the sensory hair does not have a pore, and the spine is heavily sclerotized. The inner dendritic segment begins with a basal body from which rootlets of different length and thickness extend into the dendrite. In the latter is an accumulation of vesicles. The dendrites keep close contact with other dendrites and the enveloping cells by desmosomal membrane structures. The possible importance of the sensory spine for phylogenetic studies is discussed.
Spermiogenesis in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana): A study of cytoplasmic events including cell volume changes and cytoplasmic elimination
Authors: Sprando R. L. , Russell L. D.
Published: February 2005

The process by which spermatid cytoplasmic volume is reduced and cytoplasm eliminated during spermiogenesis was investigated in the bullfrog Rana catesbeiana. At early phases of spermiogenesis, newly formed, rounded spermatids were found within spermatocysts. As acrosomal development, nuclear elongation, and chromatin condensation occurred, spermatid nuclei became eccentric within the cell. A cytoplasmic lobe formed from the caudal spermatid head and flagellum and extended toward the seminiferous tubule lumen. The cytoplasmic lobe underwent progressive condensation whereby most of its cytoplasm became extremely electron dense and contrasted sharply with numerous electron‐translucent vesicles contained therein. At the completion of spermiogenesis, many spermatids with their highly condensed cytoplasm still attached were released from their Sertoli cell into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. There was no evidence of the phagocytosis of residual bodies by Sertoli cells. Because spermatozoa are normally retained in the testis in winter and are not released until the following breeding season, sperm were induced to traverse the duct system with a single injection of hCG. Some spermatids remained attached to their cytoplasm during the sojourn through the testicular and kidney ducts; however, by the time the sperm reached the Wolffian duct, separation had occurred. The discarded cytoplasmic lobe (residual body) appeared to be degraded within the epithelium of the Wolffian duct. It was determined that the volume of the spermatid was reduced by 87% during spermiogenesis through a nuclear volume decrease of 76% and cytoplasmic volume decrease of 95.3%.
Ultrastructure of trophoblast giant cell transformation during the invasive stage of implantation of the mouse embryo
Authors: Maris Estela , Bevilacqua A. F. , Abrahamsohn P. A.
Published: February 2005

The fine structure of abembryonic and mural trophoblast cells of mouse embryos was analyzed during the initial stages of invasion of the endometrial stroma by the embryo (days 6–8 of pregnancy). On day 6 of pregnancy, most trophoblastic cells are flat and have spindle‐shaped nuclei. A few large, round trophoblastic cells (giant cells) are present at the abembryonic pole. As pregnancy proceeds through days 7 and 8, the area occupied by the trophoblast becomes larger because of an increase in the trophoblastic cell population, growth of giant cells, and rearrangement of the latter cells into a network containing maternal blood. As flat cells transform into giant cells, their content of ribosomes, granular endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, lysosomelike bodies, and heterophagosomes increases. Reichert's membrane is always lined by cell bodies or by laminar processes of trophoblastic cells that are provided with small pores. Transformation of flat cells into giant cells is associated with an activation of the giant cells and their acquisition of invasive behavior.
Lateral‐line neuromast development in Ambystoma mexicanum and a comparison with Rana pipiens
Authors: Smith Steven C. , Lannoo Michael J. , Armstrong John B.
Published: February 2005

We have examined the embryonic development of the major neuromast lines of the lateral‐line system in the urodele Ambystoma mexicanum both in vivo (using microsurgical techniques to transplant placodes) and in preserved embryos using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have compared this to SEM observations of embryos of the anuran Rana pipiens. We have determined the approximate locations of the lateral‐line placodes in A. mexicanum and the approximate timing of both the migration of the lateral line primordia and the neuromast eruption in both species. We find that, at hatching, all primary neuromasts are present and fully formed in Ambystoma, while migration of the primordia is just beginning in Rana. The neuromast systems in both species are fully formed by the time feeding begins. If neuromast eruption is considered in relation to developmental events other than hatching, fewer differences are found between species, suggesting that hatching is precocious in Rana. We find no evidence of heterochrony to account for the morphological differences observed in these lateral‐line systems. Orthogonal neuromasts on the head, a derived feature of urodeles, appears to be the result of lateral neuromast movement subsequent to the rostral migration of the primordia. This process was not observed in the anuran. In addition, we observe that ciliated epidermal cells disappear from the area immediately around each of the lines and suggest that neuromasts cause the regression of cilia in their immediate vicinity.
Lungs of the gecko Rhacodactylus leachianus (reptilia: Gekkonidae): A correlative gross anatomical and light and electron microscopic study
Authors: Perry Steven F. , Bauer Aaron M. , Russell Anthony P. , Alston James T. , Maloney John E.
Published: February 2005

The lungs of the New Caldeonian gecko Rhacodactylus leachianus were examined by means of gross dissection and light and electron microscopy. This tropical species, which is the largest living gecko, possesses two simple, single‐chambered lungs. Right and left lungs are of similar size and shape. The lung volume (27.2 ml · 100 g−1) is similar to that of the tokay (Gekko gecko) but differs in that the gas exchange tissue is approximately homogeneously distributed, and the parenchymal units (ediculae) are very large, ∼2 mm in diameter. The parenchymal depth varies according to the location in the lung, being deepest near the middle of the lung and shallowest caudally. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal an unusual distribution of ciliated cells in patches on the edicular walls as well as on the trabeculae. Secretory cell are very numerous, particularly in the bronchial epithelium, where they greatly outnumber the ciliated cells. The secretory cells form a morphological continuum characterized by small secretory droplets apically and large vacuoles basally. This continuum includes cells resembling type II pneumocytes but which are devoid of lamellar bodies. Type I pneumocytes similar to those of other reptiles cover the respiratory capillaries, where they form a thin, air–blood barrier together with the capillary endothelial cells and the fused basement laminae. The innervation, musculature, and vascular distribution in R. leachianus are also characterized. Apparent simplification of the lungs in this taxon may be related to features of its sluggish habits, whereas peculiarities of cell tissue composition may reflect demands of its mesic habitat.
Ontogenetic alterations in the gross tooth morphology of Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton (amphibia, urodela, and dicamptodontidae)
Authors: Beneski John T. , Larsen John H.
Published: February 2005

During ontogeny, the apical and basal components of dicamptodontid teeth exhibit three major developmental stages: nonpedicellate, subpedicellate, and pedicellate. Premetamorphic larvae tend to have nonpedicellate teeth, incompletely or recently metamorphosed individuals tend to have subpedicellate teeth, and fully transformed adults usually have pedicellate teeth. In concert with this transition, cusp morphology is modified from a larval monocuspid, to an incipiently bicuspid, to definitive adult bicuspid, and finally to an adult monocuspid condition. Thus, the larval and adult monocuspid conditions are ontogenetically distinct. The morphology of the larval monocuspid, adult bicuspid, and adult monocuspid conditions differs between Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton. However, the incipient bicuspid condition in these two genera is very similar in appearance, suggesting that Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton may be more closely related to each other than to the family Ambystomatidae in which they both sometimes are placed. The method of establishing ontogenetic trajectories seems to be preferable to comparisons based on adult structure, since similarities in the morphology of adults often is owing to convergent or parallel evolution.
Growth of inhibitory innervation in a lobster muscle
Authors: Govind C. K. , Pearce Joanne
Published: February 2005

The fine structure of inhibitory innervation to a limb muscle was examined in larval, juvenile, and adult lobsters. The innervation is essentially similar in qualitative features among these different stages, although there are some marked quantitative changes associated with growth. From being localized to discrete regions in the larval muscle, the inhibitory innervation spreads to groups of muscle fibers in the early juvenile muscle and to single fibers in the late juvenile and adult muscles. Concurrently, its neuromuscular synapses enlarge in area, become perforated, and acquire more active sites of transmitter release. Inhibitory nerve terminals occur in close proximity to their excitatory counterparts in the muscles of larval and early juvenile stages, although in later stages this juxtaposition occurs preferentially in some muscle fibers but not others. The inhibitory innervation is, nevertheless, much more restricted in occurrence than is the excitatory innervation.
Comparative morphology and evolution of the female reproductive tract in macroglossine bats (mammalia, chiroptera)
Authors: Hood Craig S.
Published: February 2005

Comparative morphological analysis of the female reproductive tract in macroglossine bats was undertaken to test the hypothesis that nectarivory arose at least twice within Old World fruit bats. Given that features of the female reproductive tract are not directly involved in adaptations for feeding, this data set should provide a test of the monophyly of macroglossine bats. A cladistic analysis of variation in the structure of the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and external genitalia supports the hypothesis that Megaloglossus has developed a nectar‐feeding habit independent of other macroglossine genera. Most of the variation in female reproductive organs among pteropodids is found in the development of derived external and internal features of the uterus. Fusion of uterine cornua, expansion of the common uterine body, and elaboration of the cervical region are found in a group which includes species of Pteropus, Dobsonia, Nyctimene, and the macroglossines (excluding Megaloglossus). Results of this study are concordant with independent data sets, thus providing a phylogenetic framework to evaluate critically structural and functional design in the evolution of pteropodid feeding mechanisms.
Ultrastructural changes in the seminiferous epithelium of two seasonally reproducing bats (mammalia: Chiroptera)
Authors: Bernard R. T. F. , Hodgson A. N.
Published: February 2005

The Sertoli cells of the Cape horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus capensis) and Schreiber's long‐fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) undergomarked changes in ultrastructure related to stages in the spermatogenic cycle. The amount of lipid stored in the Sertoli cells varies annually and is at a maximum from just after spermiation to early in the following spermatogenic cycle. During spermatogenesis, the diameter of the lipid droplets decreases, reaching a minimum prior to spermiation. Sertoli cells exhibit a marked apicobasal differentiation, particularly in the vicinity of developing late spermatids, where the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cell is packed with smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The possible roles of lipid droplets and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in steroidogenesis by Sertoli cells are discussed. Junctional complexes occur between Sertoli cells and spermatogonia, are apparently absent from between Sertoli cells and spermatocytes, and are restricted to the region of the developing acrosome in the spermatids. Annulate lamellae, which occur commonly in the developing germinal cells and less frequently in the Sertoli cells, may be associated with the production of microtubules, which are present in both spermatids and Sertoli cells.
Histochemical classification of neck and limb muscle fibers in a turtle, Pseudemys scripta: A study using microphotometry and cluster analysis techniques
Authors: Callister R. J. , Callister R. , Peterson E. H.
Published: February 2005

We have attempted to develop an objective, semiquantitative classification of fiber types in turtle neck and limb muscle using microphotometry and multivariate statistical techniques. We first stained serial sections for myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (with acid and alkaline preincubation and without preincubation), NADH‐diaphorase, and two glycolysis‐associated markers, α‐glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α‐GPDH) and glycogen phosphorylase A (GPA). This allowed us to characterize individual muscle fibers in terms of their contraction speed and metabolic properties. Next we used microphotometry to measure the optical density of the reaction product in each fiber, and we subjected the resulting optical density matrix to cluster and discriminant function analyses in order to assign fibers to groups (fiber types) and to determine which stains contribute most to the distinction between groups. As a control, we processed a well characterized mammalian muscle (rat sternomastoid) simultaneously. Our results suggest that both neck and limb muscle in Pseudemys can best described as falling into three groups: (1) slow oxidative (SO) fibers; (2) fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) fibers, with relatively high oxidative and glycolytic capacities; and (3) fast glycolytic (Fg) fibers, with low oxidative, low/intermediate α‐GPDH, and high GPA activities. These three fiber types differ from like‐named types in rat muscle both in the pH lability of their myosins and in their metabolic profiles.
Neuroendocrine complexes in the gut of the snail Helix aspersa
Authors: Alba Y. , Villaro A. C. , Sesma P. , Vázquez J. J.
Published: February 2005

To our knowledge, this paper presents the first description of neuroendocrine complexes in invertebrates. Neuroendocrine complexes have been identified in the lamina propria of the snail gut by light microscopy using Giemsa‐stained, deplasticized sections and by electron microscopy. Silver impregnations and immunocytochemical tests for 15 different peptide hormones yielded negative results. The ultrastructure of the snail neuroendocrine complexes is basically similar to that of neuroendocrine complexes in vertebrates. They are composed of endocrine cells and associated unmyelinated nerve processes, both being surrounded by a discontinuous glial sheath and a basement membrane. The endocrine cells contain small (139 nm), round, dense‐cored granules. The presence of complex multivesicular bodies and autophagic vesicles in the endocrine cells suggests that excess granules may be eliminated by a process of crinophagy. Some of the neuroendocrine complexes were seen to form connections with the epithelium by means of an endocrine cell cytoplasmic process, a fact that strongly suggests a functional integration between the intestinal epithelium and the enteric nervous system.
Distribution of chloride cells in teleost larvae
Authors: Hwang Pung‐Pung
Published: February 2005

Distribution and density of the chloride cells in the newly hatched larvae of teleosts vary depending on species and environmental salinity at hatching. In the euryhaline freshwater ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), chloride cells are concentrated in the skin posterior to the pectoral fins and gradually decrease in number toward the head and tail. In the stenohaline sea water flounder (Kareius bicoloratus), most chloride cells are localized at the inner membrane of gill chambers and in the skin near the openings of gill chambers, but only a few cells appear in the skin of the yolk sac. In the stenohaline freshwater carp (Cyprinus carpio), only a few small chloride cells are scattered in the body skin. The density and abundance of chloride cells appears to be correlated with the different requirements for osmoregulation in teleost larvae.
Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations on the stomach of three mysid species (Crustacea)
Authors: Storch Volker
Published: February 2005

Epithelial and cuticular linings of the stomach investigated in three species representing different genera of the Mysidacea are elaborated into a set of structural specializations dividing the stomach longitudinally into one dorsal and two ventral channels. The dorsal, or food, channel contains ingested food and retains coarse particles, which eventually are transported into the midgut through a funnel. The ventral, or filtration, channels, which are separated by an anterior and a posterior median ridge (anteromedianum, inferomedianum), contain fine particles and soluble materials extracted from the dorsal channel through two filter systems: primary filters, which lie anteriorly on either side of the anteromedianum, and posterior secondary filters, which are located on the inferomedianum. The final filtrate is transported into the ventral caeca or midgut glands. The ultrastructure of the cuticle lining the lumen of the stomach shows several specializations, the most prominent of which are stout spines and delicate filter devices. The epithelium is multilayered in circumscribed areas (the lateralia). The basement lamina is extremely developed in the inferomedianum. Detailed knowledge of the microscopic anatomy and the ultrastructure of the stomach allows identification of several homologous gastric structures among different peracaridean groups and in Decapoda.
Fine structural and histochemical study of lingual taste organs of Rana catesbeiana (Anura: Ranidae) transplanted to liver
Authors: Toyoshima Kuniaki
Published: February 2005

Autologous tongues were transplanted onto the liver of the anuran Rana catesbeiana, specimens of which were sacrificed at intervals from 6 hr to 5 months after transplantation. Light and electron microscopy as well as histochemistry disclose that the grafts start to organize into cysts after 14 days. The taste organs occur in all grafts irrespective of the age of the graft. All surviving taste organs exhibit intense adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and contain fluorescent basal cells of the usual type. Ultrastructurally, the taste organs are composed of three distinct types of cells that lack nerves. The taste and basal cells retain the characteristic dense‐core granules in their cytoplasm through the experimental periods. The present results suggested that the taste organs of Rana can survive ectopically in the liver for up to 5 months.
Vascular anatomy of the gills of the stingarees Urolophus mucosus and U. paucimaculatus (Urolophidae, Elasmobranchii)
Authors: Donald John A.
Published: February 2005

The branchial vascular anatomy of Urolophus mucosus and U. paucimaculatus was studied by scanning electron microscopical examination of critical‐point‐dried tissue or of vascular corrosion casts. The vasculature could be divided into arterioarterial and arteriovenous pathways, which channel the flow of blood through the gills.

The arterioarterial pathway consists of an afferent branchial artery which gives rise to afferent distributing arteries that run through the tissues of the interbranchial septum and supply the afferent filament arteries of several filaments. Afferent filament arteries open regularly into a corpus cavernosum in the core of the filament; unlike other elasmobranchs no septal corpora cavernosa are found. At the tip of the filament, channels of the corpus cavernosum connect to a channel which passes across the distal end of the filament from afferent to efferent side. This channel always connects to the afferent filament artery, and in many filaments it connects to the efferent filament artery as well. In addition, a vascular arcade connects all the afferent filament arteries along the entire length of each hemibranch. The filament corpus cavernosum supplies the secondary lamellae. The lamellae drain into efferent lamellar arterioles which in turn drain into the efferent filament artery and the efferent branchial artery.

The vascular anatomy of the arteriovenous pathway is similar to that described in other elasmobranchs and consists of arteriovenous anastomoses, found only arising from efferent arterial circulation, and the venolymphatic system, which is composed of the central venous sinus and the companion vessels.
Ultrastructure of muscle cells in the adductor of the boring clam Tridacna crocea
Authors: Matsuno Akira , Kuga Hiroto
Published: February 2005

The ultrastructure of the adductor muscle of the boring clam (Tridacna crocea) was investigated. The adductor was composed of opaque and translucent portions. The opaque portion contained smooth muscle cells; the translucent portion contained obliquely striated cells. Smooth muscle cells were classified, according to the statistically analyzed diameters of their thick myofilaments, into two types, S‐1 and S‐2. S‐1 cells had thick myofilaments, 50–60 nm in diameter. S‐2 cells had thick myofilaments of two sizes, about 55–65 nm and 85–100 nm in diameter, respectively. Obliquely striated muscle cells in the translucent portion were also classified into two types: O‐1 cells, with thick myofilaments 30–35 nm in diameter, and O‐2 cells, with myofilaments of 50–60 nm.
Allometric changes during growth and reproduction in Eleutheria dichotoma (hydrozoa, athecata) and the problem of estimating body size in a microscopic animal
Authors: Schierwater Bernd
Published: February 2005

Changes in body morphology during growth and reproduction in the hydromedusa Eleutheria dichotoma are described in terms of variations in eight different characters: umbrella diameter, total surface area, tentacle area, umbrella area, tentacle knob diameter, number of embryos, and diameter and area of buds. Sexually (sex) and vegetatively (veg) reproducing medusae differ significantly in their body morphometrics. Statistically significant allometric relations exist between umbrella diameter and (1) central area (sex and veg); (2) tentacle area (veg); (3) total area (veg); (4) tentacle knob diameter (veg); (5) bud diameter; and (6) number of embryos. A significant correlation between umbrella diameter and area is also found in undetached buds. During sexual reproduction, umbrella area shows positive allometry and loses its correlations to total area, tentacle area, and tentacle knob diameter. Linear and nonlinear bivariate allometric coefficients allow estimation of total body size from only one or two easily measurable attributes, e.g., umbrella and tentacle knob diameter. Curve fitting by the classic allometric equation (y = bxc) is only negligibly worse than that obtained with a “full” equation (y = a + c), and statistical confidence is better.

Chemical analyses for carbon and nitrogen content allow estimation of biomass from the projection area of the body surface. The relation factors are 1.06 μgC mm−2 (sex) and 1.14 μgC mm−2 (veg) for carbon and 0.293 μgN mm−2 (sex) and 0.287 μgN mm−2 (veg) for nitrogen. The C:N ratios are 3.6 and 4.0 for sexual and vegetative medusae, respectively. The use of allometric regression formulas to calculate surface areas and to relate these to carbon content provides quick estimations of body size in a microscopic animal.
Ontogeny of bone and the role of heterochrony in the myobatrachine genera Uperoleia, Crinia, and Pseudophryne (anura: Leptodactylidae: Myobatrachinae)
Authors: Davies Margaret
Published: February 2005

Descriptive data are provided for ontogeny of bone to metamorphosis in the myobatrachine species Uperoleia trachyderma; in pre‐ and postmetamorphic specimens of U. lithomoda, Crinia signifera, and Pseudophryne bibroni; and in postmetamorphic specimens of U. laevigata. Data derived from postmetamorphic U. laevigata indicate that dermal and endochondral elements ossify independently of each other in Uperoleia. Crinia signifera does not show the same degree of independence of ossification of dermal and endochondral elements as Uperoleia, whereas dermal and endochondral elements are not independent in P. bibroni. Ten (or possibly eleven) features are identified as being influenced by heterochrony within Uperoleia, confirming that the genus represents a highly pedomorphic lineage, four elements are influenced by heterochrony in Crinia, but only two in Pseudophryne.
Analysis of actin and tropomyosin in hearts of cardiac mutant axolotls by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, western blots, and immunofluorescent microscopy
Authors: Starr Christopher M. , Diaz Jose G. , Lemanski Larry F.
Published: February 2005

When homozygous, recessive mutant gene c in Ambystoma mexicanum results in a failure of embryonic heart function. This failure is apparently due to abnormal inductive influences from the anterior endoderm resulting in an absence of normal sarcomeric myofibril formation. Biochemical and immunofluorescent studies were undertaken to evaluate the contractile proteins actin and tropomyosin in normal and mutant hearts. For the immunofluorescent studies, cardiac tissues were fixed in periodate‐lysine‐paraformaldehyde, frozen sectioned, and immunostained by an indirect method with monospecific polyclonal antibodies produced against highly purified chicken heart actin and tropomyosin. In normal hearts, both antiactin and antitropomyosin stained the myofibrillar I‐bands intensely. In mutant hearts, intensity of staining with antiactin antibody was similar to normal, although sarcomeric patterns were not observed. Staining intensity for tropomyosin with antitropomyosin antibody was significantly reduced in mutant hearts when compared to normal. Biochemical studies were used to evaluate antibody specificity, antigenic variability, and relative protein concentrations of actin and tropomyosin in normal and mutant cardiac tissues. Tissue homogenates were electrophoresed in two dimensions, and second‐dimension slab gels were either Coomassie Blue silver‐stained or transblotted onto nitrocellulose and the proteins stained with antibodies. Stained gels and immunoblots of cardiac proteins reveal that the amounts of actin isoforms are identical in normal and mutant hearts. However, these methods demonstrate a significantly reduced amount of tropomyosin in mutant tissue. This confirms earlier studies suggesting reduced amounts of tropomyosin in mutant hearts based upon immunological assays. Thus, failure of normal myofibrillogenesis in gene c mutant hearts does not appear to result from a change in actin isoform composition but may be related to a deficiency in tropomyosin.