Vol 43, No 1 (2005)
Original paper
Published online: 2011-08-19
Morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study of the gill epithelium in the abyssal teleost fish Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2005;43(1):51-56.
Abstract
Histochemical and immunohistochemical study was carried out on nitrinergic innervation and neuroendocrine
system in the gill epithelium of the abyssal fish Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus. The results showed that nNOS-positive nerve
fibers, originating from the branchial arch were present in the subepithelial tissue of branchial primary filament. nNOS-positive
neuroendocrine cells were also present in the primary filaments and secondary lamellae. Numerous mucous cells in the gill
epithelium were AB/PAS-positive, while sialic acid was absent as confirmed by neuraminidase reaction and WGA lectin
histochemistry. The mucus compounds in abyssal teleost fish are different from those found in pelagic species, being related
to their living conditions. In abyssal species, greater numbers of chloride and neuroendocrine cells are involved in the movement
of water and electrolytes. Neuroendocrine cells possess oxygen receptors which mediate the cardiovascular and ventilatory
response to oxygen deficiency, as reported in teleost species. Besides, NO contributes through nervous stimulation to the
regulation of vascular tone and blood circulation in the gill.
Keywords: GillnNOSGlycoconjugatesLectinsAbyssal fish
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