Ultrahistochemical and autoradiographic evidence of epithelial transport in the uterus of the ovoviviparous salamander, Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela)

Complex secretory products in the oviduct of the plethodontid salamander Bolitoglossa dofleini (Amphibia, Urodela)

The ultrastructure of the secretory granules in the cells of the subdivisions of the oviduct in the neotropical plethodontid salamander Bolitoglossa dofleini was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, we applied the cationic dye Cuprolinic Blue (CB) at different electrolyte concentrations to demonstrate proteoglycans, and the pyrogallol red-copper (PR-C) method to stain proteins at the ultrastructural level. The entire oviduct is lined by a simple epithelium that contains ciliated and microvillous cells in the first subdivision, the aglandular pars recta; microvillous cells show a moderate secretory activity. The following pars convoluta is differentiated into five glandular subdivisions and the aglandular "uterine portion". Especially in the glandular parts, the epithelium is arranged in longitudinal folds. At their crests ciliated and microvillous cells similar to those in the pars recta occur. Gland cells are crowded with secretory granules that differ in their structural complexity (with and without electron-dense spheres or masses; elaborated, homogeneous or granular matrix; spherical; distorted) along the various subdivisions. Further, as suggested by the CB-technique, the cranial subdivisions contain large amounts of sulphated proteoglycans that decrease in the caudal direction. Carboxylated proteglycans appear to be present in all subdivisions examined. Electron-dense spheres of secretory granules are largely free of CB-precipitates, but stain more or less intensely with PR-C. The ultrastructure of the pars recta, and especially the "uterine portion" indicates transporting capability. The epithelial cells of the "uterus" have coated pits and a considerable amount of lysosome-like bodies.

Intercellular junctions in the uterine epithelium of Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela). A freeze-fracture study

Intercellular junctions in the uterine epithelium of the ovoviviparous urodele Salamandra salamandra were studied in pregnant and non-pregnant females by freeze-fracture technique. Junctional complexes consist of zonulae occludentes (tight junctions) and numerous maculae adhaerentes (desmosomes); z. adhaerentes and nexuses (gap junctions) could not be identified. Tight junctions are of the "flexible" type exhibiting loosely interconnected fibrils. The fibrillary network appears stretched more often in pregnant females possibly due to the mechanical stress of pregnancy. The structure and occurrence of the junctions identified, especially that of the tight junctions, is discussed with regard to the functions of the uterus during pregnancy.