FSH-, LH-, and TSH-expressing cells during development of Sparus aurata L. (Teleostei). An immunocytochemical study

Follicle-stimulating hormone-like gonadotropin (FSH), luteinizing hormone-like gonadotropin (LH), and thyrotropin (TSH) cells were detected in adult and developing pituitary gland of gilthead seabream. Antisera obtained against the alpha- and beta-subunits of FSH (anti-My FSH) and the beta-subunit of LH (anti-My LHbeta), respectively, of the teleost Mediterranean yellowtail, and an antiserum against the beta-subunit of human TSH (anti-h TSHbeta), were applied to identify and follow these cells during ontogeny using light microscopy. FSH cells were immunoreactive to anti-My FSH serum, LH cells were immunoreactive to anti-My LHbeta and anti-My FSH sera, and TSH cells were immunoreactive to anti-h TSHbeta and anti-My FSH sera. In adult specimens, FSH and LH cells were located in both the proximal pars distalis (ppd) and the pars intermedia (pi) in strands or compact groups and as isolated cells. FSH cells were less numerous than LH cells. Some FSH and LH cells had a vacuolated appearance. TSH cells were mainly arranged as a mass in the anterior ppd, although some isolated cells could also be observed. FSH, LH, and TSH cells appeared at different times during development. FSH cells were observed for the first time in 22-day-old larvae and LH cells in juvenile specimens when the gonad was still undifferentiated. No vacuolated FSH and LH cells were present in larvae or juveniles. TSH cells were observed for the first time at hatching. As the fish developed, FSH, LH, and TSH cells progressively increased in number and showed the same distribution as in adult specimens.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of melanotropic and adrenocorticotropic cells from the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L., Teleostei) by light and electron microscopy: an ontogenic study

In the pituitary of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, melanotropic (MSH) and adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) cells were identified at the light and electron microscopic levels using rabbit anti-synthetic alphaMSH (MSH) and anti-human ACTH (1-24) (ACTH) sera. The distribution of these cell types was followed from hatching to 48 months. The techniques used included the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method, conventional electron microscopy, and an immunogold technique. Using PAP, MSH (immunoreactive to both anti-MSH and anti-ACTH) and ACTH (immunoreactive to anti-ACTH) cells were detected from hatching onward. These cells were distinguished ultrastructurally in 1-day-old larvae. Immunogold labeling was first detected in MSH cells in 5-day-old larvae, while ACTH cells were only immunogold labeled in adults. In newly hatched larvae, MSH cells were located from the middle to the posterior region of the adenohypophysis, while ACTH cells were found in the dorsoanterior region, next to the hypothalamus. At this age, both cell types were scarce. As the fish developed, these cell types progressively increased in number: MSH cells made up a layer surrounding the neurohypophysis (NH) in the pars intermedia (pi), whereas ACTH cells bordered the developing NH in the rostral pars distalis (rpd). From 82 days onward, a few MSH cells were observed in the proximal pars distalis (ppd) next to the pi and some ACTH cells were seen in the ppd next to the rpd. In adult specimens, both MSH and ACTH cells were adjacent to the stellate cells and showed processes and synaptic-like structures. MSH cells exhibited numerous round secretory granules with a granular content and of varying electron density and compactness. These granules were immunogold labeled with anti-MSH serum. Electron-dense secretory granules near the Golgi complex immunoreacted with anti-MSH, anti-ACTH, or with both antisera. ACTH cells exhibited round secretory granules with a homogeneous, high electron-dense core and a narrow, clear halo. These granules immunoreacted with anti-ACTH serum. The main ultrastructural features that characterize the MSH and ACTH cells of adults appeared early during ontogeny. Involutive MSH and ACTH cells were only observed in adult specimens.

Development of the digestive tract of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L). Light and electron microscopic studies

The developing gut of sea bass was studied by light and electron microscopy, four phases being established. Phase I, from hatching to the opening of the mouth, was a lecitotrophic period, in which the gut appeared as a straight undifferentiated tube lined by a simple epithelium that became stratified in the most caudal region. The epithelial cells increased in length towards the caudal zone, as did the number and height of the apical microvilli and the magnitude of the lamellar structures in their basal region. Cilia were more numerous in the caudal region than in the rest of the gut. Signs of lipid but not of protein absorption were found in the epithelial cells at this phase. Phase II, from the opening of the mouth to the complete resorption of the yolk sac, was a lecitoexotrophic period in which an esophagus, a gastric region, an intestine and a rectum, the last two separated by a valve, were present. During this phase the differentiation of the gut started at the esophagus and the rectum. In the esophagus, the epithelium became stratified and goblet cells containing acid mucosubstances, including sulphomucins, appeared. In the epithelial cells of the rectum, supranuclear vacuoles and an incipient endocytotic apparatus that seemed to be involved in the absorption and digestion of proteins were found. In both regions the mucosa was folded. Phase III, from the complete resorption of the yolk sac to the appearance of the first gastric glands, initiated the exclusively exotrophic period. During this phase the intestine formed the mucosa folds, while the first pyloric caeca and the epithelial cells acquired the ultrastructural features of mature absorptive cells with many lipid inclusions. Goblet cells containing neutral mucosubstances appeared and increased in number in both the intestine and the rectum. Neutral mucosubstances were also present in the cells lining the gastric region. During phase IV, from the appearance of the first gastric glands onwards, the intestinal absorptive surface increased with the formation of new pyloric caeca and two intestinal loops. The stomach acquired its definitive anatomy and histology with the development of the caecal and pyloric regions alongside differentiated gastric glands. The glandular cells had the ultrastructural features of the cells that secrete both pepsinogen and hydrochloride acid in the adult teleost stomach.

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of somatolactin cells from the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L., Teleostei): an ontogenic study (from newly hatched to adults)

For the first time, somatolactin (SL) cells have been ultrastructurally identified and characterized during the ontogeny of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, using specimens ranging in age from hatching to 15 months. The SL cells were identified by an immunogold method using anti-cod SL serum. The SL-immunoreactivity was mostly located on the secretory granules of the cells, although some vesicles of variable size and shape with a medium electron-dense content, and some irregular secretory granules and polymorphic or very irregular masses that can arise from the fusion of several secretory granules, also presented immunogold labeling. In adults, the SL cells were mainly found in the pars intermedia, where they were organized in discontinuous cell cords lying against the neurohypophysis or surrounding the neurohypophyseal branches. Some SL cells, however, appeared isolated or in small groups in the pars intermedia, in the proximal pars distalis and, rarely, in the rostral pars distalis. The SL cells were variable in shape, with processes directed towards the neurohypophysis or blood vessels, or intermingling among other adenohypophyseal cells. The secretory granules were mostly round, although some were oval, bilobate or pear-shaped, with a homogeneous, very electron-dense content and a narrow, dense or clear, halo. Different SL cell populations can be distinguished according to secretory granule size. Our findings indicate that SL is stored in the secretory granules and released by exocytosis. SL cells showing involutive features were only found in adults. SL cells can be ultrastructurally identified in one-day-old larvae although similar characteristics to those found in adults can be positively identified only after 4 days. Secretory granules increased in number, size and heterogeneity during development. Synaptic-like structures between axon terminals of the neurohypophysis and the SL cells were found in larvae from one-day-old onwards. In juveniles of 118 days of age, two different populations of secretory granules (immunogold-labeled and non-immunogold-labeled) can be found in the same or different SL cells, findings that suggest the existence of two different molecular forms of SL at this age. There was a clear increase in the complexity of the pituitary gland and in the heterogeneity of the SL cells during development, the latter observation probably reflecting different functional cell stages or production of SL molecules.

Identification of mammosomatotropes, growth hormone cells and prolactin cells in the pituitary gland of the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L., Teleostei) using light immunocytochemical methods: an ontogenetic study

Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) immunoreactivities in the adenohypophysis of Sparus aurata specimens from newly hatched until 48-months-old were detected using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. GH cells and PRL cells, and cells that were immunoreactive to both GH and PRL antisera, called mammosomatotropes (MS cells), were found. This is the first report on the identification of MS cells in fish, which were found in newly hatched and older larvae and juvenile specimens. GH and PRL cells appeared from two days after hatching. MS cells were first located in the central region of the adenohypophysis and afterwards in the rostral pars distalis. The GH cells were first identified in the dorsal and ventral areas of the middle-posterior part, and the PRL cells in the ventral region of the middle-anterior part. Later, during development, the sequence of appearance of the GH cells was proximal pars distalis, pars intermedia and rostral pars distalis, while for the PRL cells sequence was rostral pars distalis, proximal pars distalis and pars intermedia. This expansion pattern could be due to a GH- and PRL-cell migration although independent cell differentiation may occur in each region. The present results suggest that GH and PRL cells arise from MS cells at the outset of pituitary development, while MS cells proceed from PRL cells in old larvae and juveniles.

Identification of the pancreatic endocrine cells of Pseudemys scripta elegans by immunogold labeling

The endocrine pancreatic cells of Pseudemys scripta elegans were investigated immunocytochemically by light and electron microscopy. Insulin-, somatostatin (SST)-1, SST-28 (1-12)-, salmon (s)SST-25-, glucagon-, pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY)-, and neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)-like immunoreactivities were observed. Insulin cells were immunogold labeled with bonito insulin antiserum and secretory granules were characterized by a wide halo and a dense core of varying shape. Consecutive PAP-immunostained sections showed that SST-28 (1-12), SST-14, and sSST-25 immunoreactivities occurred in the same cells. However, preabsorption tests demonstrated that anti-sSST-25 serum detected the invariant SST-14 molecule. The SST-28 (1-12)/SST-14-immunogold-labeled cells mainly had round or ovoid medium electron-dense granules. Glucagon-IR cells were characterized by round secretory granules with an electron-dense core, with or without a narrow clear halo. There were PP, PYY, and NPY (NPY-like) immunoreactivities in a population of glucagon-IR cells in the pancreatic duodenal region (glucagon/NPY cells). Most of the secretory granules of these glucagon/NPY-like cells had an electron-dense content and were round, although there were also pyriform or ovoid secretory granules which were smaller than those of glucagon-IR cells. Preabsorption tests proved that the NPY-like peptides detected in the endocrine pancreas of P. scripta elegans were more similar to NPY or PYY than to PP.

Endocrine pancreatic cells from Xenopus laevis: light and electron microscopic studies

Insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), somatostatin (SST)-28 (1-12), salmon (s) SST-25, and SST-14 immunoreactivities were demonstrated in the pancreatic endocrine cells of Xenopus laevis using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Insulin-, SST-28 (1-12)/SST-14-, and PYY-immunoreactive (ir) cells were found throughout the pancreas either isolated in small clusters of a single cell type or, except in the case of PYY-ir cells, forming islets consisting of various cell types. Anti-sSST-25 serum detected the invariant SST-14 form. Cells that were only immunoreactive to glucagon were isolated or clustered in the duodenal lobe, while in the splenic lobe cells immunoreactive to both glucagon and PP were observed in isolation, clustered, or in the periphery of the islets. There were no cells that were immunoreactive only to PP or to NPY. Ultrastructurally, the endocrine cells were characterized by their secretory granules, which were immunogold labeled with the corresponding antisera. Insulin cells had large round secretory granules with a round, irregular, or crystalline-like dense core. Glucagon-ir cells had round secretory granules with a dense core and a clear halo. Glucagon/PP- and PYY-ir cells showed round, ovoid, or pear-shaped secretory granules, which were larger and less electron dense in the latter cell type. The secretory granules of SST-ir cells were ovoid or bacillary with a medium electron-dense content. A sixth cell type with very small secretory granules could only be characterized by conventional electron microscopy, since it did not immunoreact with any of the antisera applied in this study.

Glucagon- and NPY-related peptide-immunoreactive cells in the gut of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): a light and electron microscopic study

Glucagon and peptide of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) family immunoreactivities were studied in the gut of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using antisera against bovine/porcine glucagon, porcine glucagon, glicentin (10-30), bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), salmon PYY (sPYY), and NPY. Glucagon-, glicentin-, PYY-, and NPY-immunoreactive (ir) cells were detected in the stomach, and glucagon-, PP-, PYY-, sPYY-, and NPY-ir cells in the intestine. PP, PYY, and NPY immunoreactivities coexisted in intestinal endocrine cells (NPY-like peptide containing cells), in some of which there was also glucagon immunoreactivity. Preabsorption tests indicated that different products of the glucagon gene(s) are probably expressed in the stomach and intestine of sea bass and that the peptides belonging to the NPY family in the endocrine cells of the intestine are more similar to NPY than to other peptides of this family. Glucagon-ir cells in the stomach, and glucagon/NPY-like containing cells in the intestine, were characterized by conventional and immunogold electron-microscopic techniques. The glucagon cells had secretory granules with a clotted content, the gold particles being observed in both the core and the halo. Glucagon/NPY-like cells showed two types of secretory granules differing in size, both of which were immunogold labeled with anti-NPY and anti-sPYY; the smaller granules were weakly immunogold labeled with anti-glucagon.

Gonadotropic and thyrotropic cells from the Mediterranean yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii; Risso, 1810): immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropins GTH I and GTH II from the pituitary of Mediterranean (M.) yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii) were isolated and characterized, and antisera to the whole GTH II molecule (anti-My alpha,betaGTH II) and to its beta-subunit (anti-My betaGTH II) were obtained. At the light microscopic level, anti-My alpha,betaGTH II reacted with My betaGTH II-immunoreactive cells (GTH II cells), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) cells, and a third cell population, which could have been GTH I cells. The aim of this study was the ultrastructural characterization of GTH and TSH cells in M. yellowtail using the immunogold method in order to provide a basis for future research into reproduction of this species.

METHODS

Pituitaries from mature male and female specimens reared in captivity were dissected out and processed for electron microscopy. The immunogold method was carried out by using anti-My alpha,betaGTH II, anti-My alpha,betaGTH II preabsorbed with the alpha subunit of the M. yellowtail GTH (My alphaGTH-subunit), anti-My betaGTH II, anti-human (h) alpha,betaTSH, and anti-h betaTSH sera to reveal gonadotropic and thyrotropic cells.

RESULTS

M. yellowtail gonadotropic cells were very heterogeneous with regard to their size, shape, and ultrastructural features. Cells were found with numerous, round, variably electron-dense, secretory granules and globules; others were found with their cytoplasm occupied mostly by dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and scarce secretory granules; and other intermediate cell forms were found that showed varying proportions of secretory granules and dilated RER. The secretory granules and globules were immunogold labeled with anti-My alpha,betaGTH II, and the reaction was weaker in the latter. A similar immunogold-labeling pattern was found with anti-My betaGTH II and with anti-My alpha,betaGTH II preabsorbed with the My alphaGTH-subunit, although some cells that showed the same ultrastructural features described above were not immunogold labeled and could have been GTH I cells. Thyrotropic cells had small, round, secretory granules of medium or high electron density that were immunogold labeled with anti-My alpha,betaGTH II, anti-h alpha,betaTSH, and anti-h betaTSH sera, but not with anti-My betaGTH II or anti-My alpha,betaGTH II serum preabsorbed with the My alphaGTH-subunit. All of the cell forms described for gonadotropes and thyrotropes were also found in a state of involution.

CONCLUSIONS

Gonadotropes that are of a single morphological type but that vary in ultrastructure are present in the pituitary of captive M. yellowtail. GTH II- and putative GTH I-producing cells were distinguishable from one another and from TSH cells by their different reactions to anti-My alpha,betaGTH II, anti-My betaGTH II, and anti-My alpha,betaGTH II preabsorbed with the My alphaGTH-subunit.

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of melanotropin and adrenocorticotropin cells from the Mediterranean yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii, Risso 1810)

BACKGROUND

Melanotropin (MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) are pituitary hormones derived from a common precursor: the proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which is processed differently in the melanotropic and corticotropic cells of several vertebrates. While ACTH is a major final product in corticotropes, it is further processed into alpha-MSH and corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP) in melanotropes. Cells which are immunoreactive to ACTH (ACTH cells) and to both alpha-MSH and ACTH (MSH cells) have been described in a number of teleosts, including the Mediterranean yellowtail, by light microscopic immunocytochemistry. However, these cells have been ultrastructurally characterized only in a few species. In this paper, we use electron microscopy to identify and characterize the cells producing MSH and ACTH in M. yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii).

METHODS

Pituitaries from adult specimens were dissected and processed for conventional and immunocytochemical electron microscopy. An immunogold technique was performed using anti-synthetic alpha-MSH and anti-human (h) ACTH (1-24) sera.

RESULTS

MSH cells had round secretory granules with a granular content of varying electron density and compactness, which were immunogold-labeled with anti-alpha-MSH. Homogeneous and electron-dense secretory granules found in the Golgi area of these cells reacted with both anti-alpha-MSH and anti-hACTH (1-24). ACTH cells had round secretory granules with a homogeneous and medium or high electron-dense core and narrow clear halo, which were grouped in the cell area near the neurohypophysis (NH). Some granules showed an osmiophilic semicore in the medium electron-dense content, which has not been described in other teleost pituitary cells. Immunogold-labeling over the secretory granules only was obtained with all the antisera used. Some ACTH cells showed involutive features.

CONCLUSIONS

MSH and ACTH are respective final products of the POMC in two ultrastructurally different cells of the pituitary of M. yellowtail, MSH and ACTH cells. The immature granules in the Golgi area of MSH cells seem to be the site of proteolitic cleavage of ACTH into alpha-MSH and CLIP.

Ontogeny of immunoreactive somatolactin cells in the pituitary of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L., Teleostei)

This is the first report on the identification of somatolactin (SL) cells during the early developmental stages of the teleost fish Sparus aurata. The SL cells were followed from newly hatched until 46 months. SL cells were immunocytochemically identified at light microscopical level with anti-cod SL in the developing pituitary using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. SL cells first appeared in newly hatched specimens, in which the pituitary gland lacked the neurohypophysis. They were scarce and located from the middle to the posterior region of the adenohypophysis. As the fish developed, the cells progressively increased in number and surrounded the developing neurohypophysis, which could be distinguised from 12-day-old larvae onwards in the caudal region of the gland. From 51 days onwards, SL cells were found in a discontinuous layer surrounding the neurohypophysis branches that entered the pars intermedia as clustered or isolated cells among non-SL-immunoreactive cells of the pars intermedia, and in the proximal pars distalis. The somatolactin-immunoreactive cells are periodic acid-Schiff-positive only in the adult stages. These data confirm, previous findings concerning the presence of two molecular forms of SL, glycosylated and nonglycosylated, in this species.

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of prolactin, growth hormone, and somatolactin cells from the Mediterranean yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii, Risso 1810)

BACKGROUND

Prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), and somatolactin (SL) are structurally related pituitary hormones that belong to a peptide family. Whereas growth hormone and prolactin are present in the hypophysis of all vertebrates, somatolactin, a recently discovered hormone, has been found only in fish. It has been demonstrated immunocytochemically in a few teleost species; ultrastructurally, cells producing this hormone have been characterized only in one species of salmon. In this paper, we identify and characterize ultrastructurally the cells producing these three hormones in Mediterranean yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii).

METHODS

Pituitaries from adult specimens were dissected out and processed for electron microscopy. The immunogold technique was performed in some ultrathin sections using fish primary antibodies.

RESULTS

PRL cells had round, peripherally distributed, very electron-dense, homogeneous secretory granules of variable size. GH cells had dense, round secretory granules with a conspicuous scalloped membrane, which were grouped in the cell area near the neurohypophysis. SL cells had round, polymorphic, or very irregularly shaped secretory granules, the last seeming to arise from the fusion of various secretory granules. The population of secretory granules varied greatly from one cell to another. In all cases, immunogold labeling was seen exclusively in the secretory granules. Exocytosis was observed in all cell types. Some of the PRL, GH, and SL cells showed involutive features.

CONCLUSIONS

PRL, GH, and SL, although structurally and functionally related, are secreted by ultrastructurally different cells in the pituitary of M. yellowtail.

The adenohypophysis of Mediterranean yellowtail, Seriola dumerilii (Risso, 1810): an immunocytochemical study

The adenohypophysis (ADH) of the Mediterranean yellowtail was studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Human corticotropin (ACTH) (1-24)-immunoreactive (ir) cells were found bordering the neurohypophysis (NH) and salmon prolactin (PRL)-ir cells were arranged in thick cords, both in the rostral pars distalis (RPD). Gonadotropin (GTH)-, thyrotropin (TSH)- and growth hormone (GH)-ir cells were observed in the proximal pars distalis (PPD). Anti-chum salmon GTH I and anti-chum salmon GTH II immunostained the same cells in the outermost part of the ADH at the level of the PPD and the PI. In addition to these cells, some cells grouped in the inner areas of the posterior PPD were revealed by catfish alpha, beta-GTH antiserum. Human beta-TSH-ir cells formed small groups and discontinuous strands in the PPD often in contact with the NH. Tilapia GH-ir cells formed cords mainly surrounding the NH in the central PPD, while cod somatolactin- and alpha MSH-ir cells mainly surrounded the NH branches in the PI.

Early organization of the pituitary gland in Sparus aurata L. (Teleostei). An ultrastructural study

The cell organization of the pituitary gland and the relationship between neurohypophysis and adenohypophysis in early developmental stages of the gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, were studied by electron microscopy. In newly hatched larvae, the pituitary gland was embedded in the ventral floor of the diencephalon and separated from the hypothalamus by a continuous basal lamina. Elongated mesenchymal cells next to the ventral surface were observed. At this stage, there was no neurohypophysis and the adenohypophysis consisted of undifferentiated endocrine cells with small scarce secretory granules and a few stellate cells, with no distinctive zonation. An incipient neurohypophysis was present in 1-day-old larvae. The first evagination of the neurohypophysis into the adenohypophysis were observed in 2-day-old larvae and developed progressively with age, being deeper in the caudal zone. Two regions in the adenohypophysis, one anterior--the presumptive pars distalis--and one posterior--the presumptive pars intermedia--were found in 2-day-old larvae. Three regions (rostral and proximal pars distalis and pars intermedia) were clearly distinguishable in 4-day-old larvae. The ultrastructural features of the pituitary endocrine cells varied during gland differentiation, with the secretory granules gradually increasing in number and size, accompanying organelle development. Nevertheless, even in the oldest larvae studied (65 days), undifferentiated cells similar to those in the earliest stages were observed. The first blood vessels appeared in the neurohypophysis around 16 days after hatching. During early development, the pituitary gland progressively emerged from the ventral floor of the brain. By 16 days, the principal pattern of the pituitary gland architecture appeared to be established.

Occurrence of somatostatin and insulin immunoreactivities in the stomach of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): light and electron microscopic studies

Somatostatin (SST)- and insulin (INS)-immunoreactive (ir) cells were identified in the gut of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by immunofluorescence double staining and peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) techniques for light microscopy and by immunogold method for electron microscopy using antisera to mammalian and fish peptides. SST-14 and SST-25 immunoreactivities coexisted in cells mainly located among the mucous neck cells of the gastric glands. Preabsorption controls showed that some SST-25- and, possibly, some SST-14-like peptides appeared in these cells. Immunoreactivity to fish INS, but not to mammalian INS (mINS) or insulin-like growth factor I (mIGF-I), was observed in all the SST-ir cells. The preabsorption controls suggest a cross-reaction of the fish INS antisera with SST-containing or type I cells. These cells displayed ovoid or round secretory granules with fibrous, medium electron-dense or homogeneous osmiophilic materials. Some gastric cells (type II) with round secretory granules of variable electron density, which were gold immunolabeled with bonito INS but not with mINS, mIGF-I, or SST antisera, were also found. INS-related peptide in type II cells of the sea bass stomach is suggested.

Ontogeny of the endocrine cells of the intestine and rectum of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): an ultrastructural study

Several endocrine cell types were ultrastructurally characterized during the differentiation of the intestine and rectum of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) larvae. Only one cell type (type I) was found in the posterior region of the undifferentiated gut of 5-day-old larvae (phase I). Types V and VI were found in both the intestine and rectum, types II, III and IV in the intestine, and types VII and VIII in the rectum of 9- and 12-day-old larvae (phase II), the rectum alone showing signs of functional differentiation. In phase III larvae, in which both the intestine and rectum were differentiated, types IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV and XV were found in the intestine, only types X, XI and XII being seen in the rectum. Besides these, a new cell type, XVI, was observed in the intestine of 55- and 60-day-old larvae (phase IV), in which the digestive tract was completely differentiated. The endocrine cells appearing in phases I and II showed very scarce secretory granules and the ultrastructural features of undifferentiated cells. Some endocrine cell types in the earliest developmental stages were related to some of those found later. A maturational process of the endocrine cell types paralleled the differentiation of the intestine and rectum, with an apparent increase in the number of secretory granules accompanying organelle development.

Ontogeny of the endocrine cells of the stomach of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): an ultrastructural study

The endocrine cells present in the developing stomach of sea bass larvae have been characterized ultrastructurally. Only one endocrine cell type (type I) was found in the presumptive stomach of 9- and 12-day-old larvae, one (type II) and five (types III, IV, V, VI and VII) in the aglandular stomach of 32-, and of 39- to 46-day-old larvae, respectively, and five (types III, VIII, IX, X and XI) in the differentiated stomach of 55- and 60-day-old larvae. A maturation process was established for some of these cells. Types I, II and III and types IV and X were thought to be different maturational stages of the same endocrine cell type.

Somatostatin 14- and somatostatin 25-like peptides in pancreatic endocrine cells of Sparus aurata (teleost): a light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study

An immunocytochemical investigation demonstrates the presence of somatostatin (SST) 14- and salmon somatostatin (sSST) 25-like peptides in two populations of somatostatin (D) cells in the islets of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Both cell types were identified by their differing immunoreactivities to the somatostatin antisera used. D1 cells in the islet periphery between glucagon cells showed sSST 25-like immunoreactivity and contained large moderate to low electron-dense granules. D2 cells, present only in the central region of the islets between insulin cells, were immunoreactive to the SST 14 antisera and had smaller electron-dense granules. In S. aurata, as in other teleosts, preprosomatostatin I and II are probably synthesized and processed to SST 14- and sSST 25-like peptides, respectively, in different D cell types.

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical demonstration of the coexistence of somatostatin 14- and somatostatin 25-like peptides in endocrine cells of the stomach of Sparus aurata (Teleost)

An immunofluorescence double-staining method colocalized somatostatin 14 (SST 14)- and somatostatin 25 (SST 25)-like immunoreactivities in endocrine cells located in the depth of gastric folds and upper part of the stomach glands of Sparus aurata (gilthead sea bream). An immunogold method identified somatostatin-like peptides in the secretory granules of the previously described Type IV endocrine cells. Appropriate preabsorption controls demonstrated two different granule populations with somatostatin-like immunoreactivity. SST 14-like peptides seemed to be located in the most commonly found granules, which showed a fibrillar content, whereas SST 25-like peptides were identified in more scarce and denser granules.

Stromal cells, macrophages and lymphoid cells in the head-kidney of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.). An ultrastructural study

The ultrastructure of the stromal cells, macrophages and lymphoid cells in the head-kidney of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) was studied. Like mammals, stroma cell types here include endothelial and adventitial cells comprising the sinusoidal wall, fibroblast-like reticular cells related to scarce reticular fibres, and macrophage-type reticulum cells, the last probably corresponding to the resident macrophage population of higher vertebrates. Their possible role in the haemopoietic microenvironment is considered. Monocyte-macrophages, macrophages and melano-macrophages, probably corresponding to ontogenic or functional stages of the same cell type were identified and their functional significances are discussed. Scarce, free lymphoid cells or small clusters of lymphocytes but no lymphopoietic islets were recognizable. Large lymphocytes, small lymphocytes and very scarce developing and mature plasma cells were identified. The lymphoid function and defensive role of the head-kidney were analyzed.

Pancreatic endocrine cells in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) II. Immunocytochemical study of insulin and somatostatin peptides

Insulin (INS)- and somatostatin (SST)-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated by light immunocytochemistry in the endocrine pancreas of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). INS-immunoreactive cells were identified using bovine/porcine, bonito, and salmon (s) INS antisera; the immunostaining was abolished when each antiserum was preabsorbed with its respective peptide but not with unrelated peptides. These cells also reacted with mammal (m) SST-28 (4-14) antiserum. The immunoreaction did not change when this antiserum was preabsorbed by bovine INS. INS-immunoreactive cells were located in the central part of the endocrine areas of the principal, intermediate, and small islets. Two SST-immunoreactive cell types (D1 and D2) were revealed. D1 cells, immunoreactive to SST 14 (562) and sSST-25 antisera, were located next to the glucagon-immunoreactive cells in the peripheral part of the endocrine areas. D2 cells, immunoreactive to SST-14 (562), SST-14 (566), and mSST-28 (4-14) antisera, were found in apposition to the INS-immunoreactive cells. The specificity controls showed that D1 cells expressed sSST-25-like peptides, while D2 cells might contain SST-14 and/or mSST-28-like peptides. The close topographic association between the different SST-immunoreactive cells and both glucagon- and insulin-immunoreactive cells might indicate the existence of a specific paracrine regulation of each endocrine cell type in the sea bass endocrine pancreas.

Pancreatic endocrine cells in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) I. Immunocytochemical characterization of glucagon- and PP-related peptides

PP-, PYY-, and glucagon-immunoreactive cells were immunocytochemically identified in the pancreatic islets of Dicentrarchus labrax (sea bass). PYY cells also reacted with anti-PP serum. The specificity control showed that preabsorption of PP antiserum by PYY peptide abolished the immunostaining, while the reaction did not change when the PYY antiserum was preabsorbed by PP. These results suggested the existence of a PP/PYY molecule in the sea bass islets. The islet distribution of PP/PYY-immunoreactive cells differed markedly. Thus, in the principal islet and some intermediate islets few PP/PYY-immunoreactive cells are present (type I islets), whereas in the smaller and some intermediate ones they are numerous (type II islets). Adjacent sections stained by peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique and individual sections stained by immunofluorescence double staining showed the coexistence of glucagon and PP/PYY-like immunoreactivities. Both islet types contained cells with PP/PYY coexisting with glucagon peptide, while cells showing solely glucagon immunoreactivity were found in type I islets only.

Histochemical determination of muscle fiber types in locomotor muscles of anuran amphibians

1. A histochemical study using myosin ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase reactions and a morphometric analysis with image analyser, was carried out in sartorius and gastrocnemius muscles of two anuran species, Rana perezi and Bufo calamita, that show different locomotor activities. 2. Four types of muscle fiber were found. There were interspecific variations in their proportions, with a predominance of oxidative muscle fibers in Bufo calamita. 3. These results agree with those obtained previously for the metabolic profile of several tissues from both species and point to a clear metabolic basis for the differences in locomotor activities between these two species.

Granulopoiesis in the head-kidney of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): an ultrastructural study

The ultrastructure of granulopoiesis in the head-kidney of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), an euryhaline seawater teleost, was studied. The heterophilic, acidophilic and basophilic series consisting of promyelocyte, myelocyte, metamyelocyte and mature granulocyte stages are described. The granulopoietic pattern was similar to those of higher vertebrates but dissimilar to those of some other fish, suggesting that the vertebrate granulopoietic scheme was probably conserved during the evolution of at least some teleost species. Very scare presumptive blast cells were present. The heterophilic series showed three types of granules that might correspond to nucleated, azurophil and specific granules which have been described in neutrophils from mammals and human bone marrow. Neither a crystalloid nor a dense core was found in the granules of acidophilic granulocytes, where an occasional light zone could be seen. The scarce cells of the basophilic series showed similar characteristics to those described in other fish species.

Erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis in the head-kidney of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): an ultrastructural study

The head-kidney of the sea bass is a source of erythropoietic and thrombopoietic cells. No significant lymphopoietic activity is found. Erythropoiesis, thrombopoiesis and granulopoiesis are intermingled, which suggests that only one environmental "niche" exists to modulate the lineage development. No numerous proerythroblasts are present. Erythropoiesis consists of a proerythroblast, basophilic erythroblast, polychromatophilic erythroblast, acidophilic erythroblast, young erythrocyte and old erythrocyte, the latter being nucleated and without nuclear vacuolation. The numbers of the free ribosomes and polyribosomes decrease progressively from proerythroblasts to young erythrocytes, suggesting a high synthetic activity from early on. Immature erythropoietic cells show pits and protrusions correlated to micropinocytotic vesicles, indicating ropheocytosis. The peripheral band of microtubules is the most remarkable cytoplasmic structure in proerythroblasts. Granular cytoplasmic inclusions or lysosomes were not observed in erythropoietic cells. The old erythrocyte reveals an electron-dense homogeneous cytoplasm with occasional mitochondria and a small Golgi apparatus. Thrombopoietic cells comprise both the immature and mature prothrombocyte and adult thrombocyte. Nuclear and cytoplasmic densities increase and the surface connected canalicular system develops during maturation. A marginal band of microtubules is present in the cytoplasm from prothrombocytes to mature thrombocytes. Some pseudopodial processes, dense granules and vesicles, probably indicating passive storage, are also observed.

Comparative study on the endocrine cells in the pancreas of Mauremys caspica (chelonia) in summer and winter

Four endocrine cell types were identified using peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique and ultrastructurally characterized in the pancreas of Mauremys caspica in both winter and summer. In winter, insulin-immunoreactive cells were more abundant and the cell groups larger in the splenic than in the duodenal region, whereas in summer, medium or small cell groups were evenly distributed. Glucagon- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were found throughout the gland; they were more numerous in the splenic than in the duodenal region. Polypeptide pancreatic (PP)-immunoreactive cells were found only in the duodenal region. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were mainly isolated in winter and grouped in summer. Glucagon- and PP-immunoreactive cells had a similar arrangement in both seasons. Somatostatin- and PP-containing cells showed cytoplasmic processes and could be found next to the pancreatic ducts; the latter were also observed near insulin-immunoreactive cells. Some large secretory granules and numerous, isolated and long rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) cisternae were seen in winter B cells; in summer B cells numerous lysosomes and few, dilated RER cisternae were found. Summer A cells showed well-developed, dilated RER cisternae and numerous vacuoles; secretory granules were more numerous in winter A cells. In winter B cells and summer A cells some nuclear filamentous inclusions were observed. Few RER cisternae were observed in winter D cells and many in summer D cells; secretory granules were found, the shape and electron density of which differed with the season. PP cells were characterized by their small secretory granules, which were less numerous in winter than in summer, being clustered at the cell pole or dispersed in the cytoplasm, respectively; in winter, the well-developed RER cisternae were dilated and irregularly distributed.

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the cell types in the adenohypophysis of Sparus aurata L. (teleost)

The structure and immunocytochemistry of the adenohypophysis of sexually mature male specimens of Sparus aurata (gilthead sea bream) were studied. The adenohypophysis was composed of rostral pars distalis (RPD), proximal pars distalis (PPD), and pars intermedia (PI). In the RPD the prolactin cells were organized into follicles which occupied a very reduced area as corresponds to that in saltwater fishes; the corticotropic cells were surrounding the pars nervosa branches and the prolactin follicles. The PPD showed somatotropic, gonadotropic, and thyrotropic cells. The somatotropic cells were isolated, clustered, or surrounding the pars nervosa branches. Only one polymorphic cell type of gonadotropic cells was found in the PPD ventral and dorsal areas and around the PI. The PI was composed mainly of melanotropic cells and a PAS-positive cell layer adjacent to the neurohypophysis. The ultrastructure of the presumptive endocrine cells was reported and their distribution was discussed in relation to those of other teleosts.

The endocrine cells in the gut of Mugil saliens Risso, 1810 (Teleostei): an immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study

The endocrine cells in the gut of Mugil saliens Risso, 1810 (leaping grey mullet) were investigated by immunocytochemical and electron microscopic techniques. Gastrin-, glucagon-, and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were identified in the cardiac and cecal stomach regions, located mainly in the lower part of the gastric folds and in the upper part of the glands. Substance P-, somatostatin-, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-immunoreactive cells were found between epithelial cells in the pyloric stomach region. Gastrin-, cholecystokinin (CCK)-, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)-, substance P-, Met-enkephalin- and PP-immunoreactive cells were observed throughout the intestine while only the last three of these appeared in the posterior intestine. Nine types of gastroenteroendocrine cells were ultrastructurally characterized; some of them were related to the cell types immunocytochemically identified.

Endocrine pancreas of Testudo graeca L. (Chelonia) in summer and winter: an immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study

Insulin-, glucagon-, somatostatin-, and PP-immunoreactive cells were identified immunocytochemically using antisera raised against mammalian hormones in the pancreas of Testudo graeca in both winter and summer. The endocrine cells were present throughout the gland, forming scarce islets except in the splenic region. The insulin cell islets were larger and more numerous in the splenic region than in the duodenal one. Winter glucagon-immunoreactive cells were found mainly in isolation while the summer ones occurred in groups which showed no immunoreactive central area; in both seasons these cells were more numerous in the splenic region than in the duodenal one. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were found isolated or grouped together more frequently in the splenic region in the summer specimens. No PP-immunoreactive cells were found in the splenic region, although they were numerous and isolated in the duodenal zone. Four cell types (B, A, D, and PP cells) were ultrastructurally characterized by the shape, size, and electron density of their respective secretory granules. Certain ultrastructural differences were detected in the summer and winter endocrine pancreatic cells. In summer specimens a fifth cellular type was observed. The presence of B, D, and PP cells among the epithelial pancreatic duct cells may confirm the comparatively primitive organization of the T. graeca endocrine pancreas.

Ultrastructure of the nephron of freshwater turtles, Pseudemys scripta elegans and Mauremys caspica

The nephrons of the freshwater turtles Pseudemys scripta elegans and Mauremys caspica consist of renal corpuscle, neck segment, proximal tubule, intermediate segment, distal tubule and collecting duct. The renal corpuscle has large and scarce capillaries with clear and dark fenestrated endothelial cells containing some rod-shaped bodies, a thin filtration barrier and a well-developed mesangium, the cells of which show secretory, phagocytic and contractile features, and in M. caspica a cilium. The podocytes with a well-developed Golgi apparatus seem to be active secretory cells. Numerous dense bodies similar to lysosomes, but not previously reported in vertebrates, are conspicuous in podocytes of M. caspica. The proximal tubule displays a well-developed brush border with long and densely-packed microvilli and no basal labyrinth; mitochondria are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Several dense and clear vesicles related to the prominent endocytotic apparatus can be seen. Wavy filament bundles, not previously reported in vertebrate kidneys, can be observed in proximal tubule cells of M. caspica. Three regions can be distinguished in the well-developed intermediate segment as well as in the distal tubule; the latter has a few short microvilli or a smooth luminal surface and lateral interdigitated processes. The collecting duct, the cells of which contain numerous mucous droplets, is similar in both sexes; there is no sexual segment.

An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of endocrine cells in the gut of a teleost fish, Sparus auratus L

Endocrine cells in the gut of Sparus auratus L. (gilt-head sea bream) have been demonstrated by immunocytochemical and electron microscopic techniques. Cells showing somatostatin and gastrin-like immunoreactivity were found in the depth of the gastric folds and in the upper part of the stomach glands while substance P immunoreactive cells were present between the upper epithelial cells of the gastric folds. Cells showing gastrin, substance P, pancreatic polypeptide, cholecystokinin, and Met-enkephalin immunoreactivity were observed in the intestinal mucosa scattered between epithelial cells. Eight types of endocrine cells were ultrastructurally characterized by the shape, size, and electron density of their respective secretory granules. A tentative correlation between these diverse cell types and those identified by immunocytochemical techniques has been established.

An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of the endocrine pancreas of Sparus auratus L. (Teleostei)

The pancreatic endocrine cells of Sparus auratus (gilthead sea bream) are concentrated in two or three principal islets, or Brockmann bodies, and numerous smaller islets embedded in the exocrine tissue. Insulin-, glucagon-, somatostatin-, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-immunoreactive cells were identified in all pancreatic islets of S. auratus using an indirect immunocytochemical (PAP) method. Insulin-immunoreactive cells were found in the central region of the islets. Glucagon-immunoreactive cells could be seen at the periphery of the islets and isolated in the exocrine tissue surrounding the large principal islet. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were distributed throughout the islets. PP-immunoreactive cells were clustered, in a limited shallow section, being found in no other part of the large principal islet whereas, in the smaller islets, these cells were more numerous and found in the whole peripheral area. Four cell types were identified in the pancreatic islets of S. auratus by electron microscopy. A,B,D and PP cells were characterized by the shape, size, and electron density of their respective secretory granules.

An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of the endocrine pancreas of Pseudemys scripta elegans (Chelonia)

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural methods have shown four cell types in the endocrine pancreas of the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans: insulin-, glucagon-, somatostatin-, and pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells. Each endocrine cell type was distributed differently in the duodenal or splenic regions of the turtle pancreas. Round or fusiform insulin- and glucagon-containing cells could be seen as single scattered cells which were more numerous in the duodenal regions, and the cell groups becoming progressively smaller from splenic to duodenal region. Round or fusiform somatostatin cells with thick processes and spindly pancreatic polypeptide cells with long protrusions were less numerous the nearer they were to the splenic regions; they were isolated in the duodenal zone. Insulin cells were surrounded by somatostatin cells and an outer layer of glucagon cells around the cell groups could be seen. Insulin cells were characterized by their round secretory granules which contained a polygonal, irregular or rod-shaped dense core. They also contained numerous clustered mitochondria, large multivesicular bodies, and cilium. Glucagon cells, joined by desmosomes to adjacent ones, had numerous filamentous mitochondria with longitudinal cristae and round electron-dense secretory granules with closely applied membrane. Somatostatin cells contained two kinds of secretory granules, some of which showed an electron-dense core, while others had moderately electron-dense floccular material. PP cells were characterized by round secretory granules, smaller than those of other cell types, and a large euchromatinic nucleus. Lysosomes, microtubules, bundles of microfilaments, a well-developed Golgi apparatus, and scarce rough endoplasmic reticulum were present in the cytoplasm of all these endocrine cell types.

Ultrastructure of the granulopoietic microenvironment in the tunica propria of the bursa of Fabricius of white Leghorn chicken embryo

Granulopoietic areas of tunica propria of chicken embryo bursa (stage 38 to 45 H-H) were composed of fibroblasts, reticular cells with and without lipid droplets and macrophages within a network of collagen fibers. We suggest that the reticular cells with lipid droplets could have the same microenvironmental significance as adipocytes of other granulopoietic organs.

Ultrastructure of the kidney of the marine teleost Sparus auratus: the renal corpuscle and the tubular nephron

The ultrastructure of the renal corpuscle and tubule of Sparus auratus is described. The parietal epithelium in Bowman's capsule is flattened with occasional cilia; podocytes are large with bundles of perinuclear microfilaments, a large vacuole and occasional cilia; a filtration slit membrane can sometimes be identified; mesangial cells are placed peripherally and among the walls of the capillaries. The neck segment is short and ciliated; it lacks the mucous cells which appear in some teleosts. The first proximal segment has columnar cells with a well developed brush border, and some cilia, large light vacuoles and many lysosomes appear in the apical zone; the second proximal segment has taller cells than the former, which appear with a less dense brush border, containing numerous multivesicular bodies; the third proximal segment, which has cells similar to the previous ones, possesses a less developed brush border and numerous mitochondria scattered all over the cytoplasm. No distal tubule is present. There is a collecting tubule with columnar cells with few microvilli and some apical mucin granules which empty into the collecting duct.