Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1205152
G. Franzitta, E. Capruzzi, E. C. La Marca, M. Milazzo, R. Chemello
Abstract In the Mediterranean, the gastropod Dendropoma cristatum (sin. D. petraeum (Monterosato, 1884)) is the primary builder of the vermetid reef, an intertidal bioconstruction of exceptional ecological importance. Despite awareness of the need for conservation of this key species, the biology of D. cristatum remains poorly understood. The recruitment of D. cristatum deserves particular attention because the absence of a planktonic larval stage limits its dispersal ability. We examined the temporal pattern of recruitment during the breeding season of D. cristatum from June to September in 2013. Specifically, we compared the two portions of the vermetid reef (i.e. the inner edge and the outer edge) at localities with different exposures to wave motion. The number of recruits peaked in July, when it was significantly higher in the outer than in the inner edge. No differences emerged between localities with different wave exposures; however, the width of the reef was significantly related to the exposure index. Although there are still several gaps in our knowledge of the recruitment dynamics of D. cristatum, this study contributes to characterising recruitment rate variation at small spatial and temporal scales.
{"title":"Recruitment patterns in an intertidal species with low dispersal ability: the reef-building Dendropoma cristatum (Biondi, 1859) (Mollusca: Gastropoda)","authors":"G. Franzitta, E. Capruzzi, E. C. La Marca, M. Milazzo, R. Chemello","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1205152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1205152","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In the Mediterranean, the gastropod Dendropoma cristatum (sin. D. petraeum (Monterosato, 1884)) is the primary builder of the vermetid reef, an intertidal bioconstruction of exceptional ecological importance. Despite awareness of the need for conservation of this key species, the biology of D. cristatum remains poorly understood. The recruitment of D. cristatum deserves particular attention because the absence of a planktonic larval stage limits its dispersal ability. We examined the temporal pattern of recruitment during the breeding season of D. cristatum from June to September in 2013. Specifically, we compared the two portions of the vermetid reef (i.e. the inner edge and the outer edge) at localities with different exposures to wave motion. The number of recruits peaked in July, when it was significantly higher in the outer than in the inner edge. No differences emerged between localities with different wave exposures; however, the width of the reef was significantly related to the exposure index. Although there are still several gaps in our knowledge of the recruitment dynamics of D. cristatum, this study contributes to characterising recruitment rate variation at small spatial and temporal scales.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"9 1","pages":"400 - 407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86661954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1209581
S. H. Yousefkhani, E. Rastegar-Pouyani, M. Aliabadian
Abstract Eremias strauchi strauchi and Eremias strauchi kopetdaghica are genetically and morphologically distinct and are distributed allopatrically in northeastern and northwestern Iran. E. s. strauchi is distinguishable by having green spots on lateral parts of the body, while E. s. kopetdaghica is characterized by white spots and irregular black dots on lateral parts of the body. Recent molecular studies have suggested that these are two distinct species, but other types of analyses leave their classification unclear. In this study, we evaluated their taxonomic status using additional data (including ecological niches) to confirm the hypothesis that they are two species. All known records of their occurrence were employed to predict and evaluate the suitable areas where they may be expected to be found in Iran. We then performed niche similarity tests (niche identity and background tests) and point-based analyses to compare their ecological niches and explain ecological differentiation. Niche models of E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica had good results and powerful performance based on high area under the curve (AUC) values [E. s. strauchi = 0.992, standard deviation (SD) = ± 0.008; E. s. kopetdaghica = 0.978, SD = ± 0.032]. Ecological differentiation has been found across the entire range, indicating that ecological differentiation had an important role in species differentiation. Environmental conditions for the species diverged along environmental variables, as precipitation of coldest quarter for the “Strauch” subspecies and precipitation of warmest quarter for the “Kopet dagh” subspecies were most important in determining habitat suitability, respectively. These two factors are important in niche differentiation between the two species and influenced their genetic divergence. Finally, our results confirmed the niche differentiation between E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica and added new insights into the taxonomic distinction between E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica.
{"title":"Ecological niche differentiation and taxonomic distinction between Eremias strauchi strauchi and Eremias strauchi kopetdaghica (Squamata: Lacertidae) on the Iranian Plateau based on ecological niche modeling","authors":"S. H. Yousefkhani, E. Rastegar-Pouyani, M. Aliabadian","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1209581","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1209581","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Eremias strauchi strauchi and Eremias strauchi kopetdaghica are genetically and morphologically distinct and are distributed allopatrically in northeastern and northwestern Iran. E. s. strauchi is distinguishable by having green spots on lateral parts of the body, while E. s. kopetdaghica is characterized by white spots and irregular black dots on lateral parts of the body. Recent molecular studies have suggested that these are two distinct species, but other types of analyses leave their classification unclear. In this study, we evaluated their taxonomic status using additional data (including ecological niches) to confirm the hypothesis that they are two species. All known records of their occurrence were employed to predict and evaluate the suitable areas where they may be expected to be found in Iran. We then performed niche similarity tests (niche identity and background tests) and point-based analyses to compare their ecological niches and explain ecological differentiation. Niche models of E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica had good results and powerful performance based on high area under the curve (AUC) values [E. s. strauchi = 0.992, standard deviation (SD) = ± 0.008; E. s. kopetdaghica = 0.978, SD = ± 0.032]. Ecological differentiation has been found across the entire range, indicating that ecological differentiation had an important role in species differentiation. Environmental conditions for the species diverged along environmental variables, as precipitation of coldest quarter for the “Strauch” subspecies and precipitation of warmest quarter for the “Kopet dagh” subspecies were most important in determining habitat suitability, respectively. These two factors are important in niche differentiation between the two species and influenced their genetic divergence. Finally, our results confirmed the niche differentiation between E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica and added new insights into the taxonomic distinction between E. s. strauchi and E. s. kopetdaghica.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"5 1","pages":"408 - 416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89194389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1207717
J. Klećkowska‐Nawrot, K. Goździewska‐Harłajczuk, R. Nowaczyk
Abstract The upper, lower and third eyelids are accessory organs of the eye. The aim of this study was to describe the development of the upper, lower and third eyelids in ostriches in the embryonic and postnatal period and to characterise the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in the eyelids. The study was performed on 59 African black ostriches from the 28th day of incubation up to 3 years of age. Hematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome, van Gieson trichrome and Mallory’s trichrome stainings were used to demonstrate the structure of the eyelids. The connective tissue structure transformed from loose connective tissue into dense connective tissue during the development of the eyelids. In the third eyelid, the network of collagen fibres was rebuilt and the density of the collagen fibres decreased with age. As the animals grew, there were clearly visible changes in the structure of the upper and lower eyelids, especially in the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin surface, the conjunctival epithelium and the tarsal plate. The lymphatic follicles were observed only in the lower eyelid of adult ostriches. A diffuse CALT system with scattered lymphatic cells was observed within the connective tissue of the third eyelid, mostly under the conjunctival epithelium in the group of adult birds.
{"title":"Morphological study of the upper, lower and third eyelids in the African black ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus L., 1758) (Aves: Struthioniformes) during the embryonic and postnatal period","authors":"J. Klećkowska‐Nawrot, K. Goździewska‐Harłajczuk, R. Nowaczyk","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1207717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1207717","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The upper, lower and third eyelids are accessory organs of the eye. The aim of this study was to describe the development of the upper, lower and third eyelids in ostriches in the embryonic and postnatal period and to characterise the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in the eyelids. The study was performed on 59 African black ostriches from the 28th day of incubation up to 3 years of age. Hematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome, van Gieson trichrome and Mallory’s trichrome stainings were used to demonstrate the structure of the eyelids. The connective tissue structure transformed from loose connective tissue into dense connective tissue during the development of the eyelids. In the third eyelid, the network of collagen fibres was rebuilt and the density of the collagen fibres decreased with age. As the animals grew, there were clearly visible changes in the structure of the upper and lower eyelids, especially in the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin surface, the conjunctival epithelium and the tarsal plate. The lymphatic follicles were observed only in the lower eyelid of adult ostriches. A diffuse CALT system with scattered lymphatic cells was observed within the connective tissue of the third eyelid, mostly under the conjunctival epithelium in the group of adult birds.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"232 1","pages":"312 - 328"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75507731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1203034
L. Martell, S. Piraino, C. Gravili, F. Boero
Abstract In spite of considerable research effort on the “immortal jellyfish” Turritopsis dohrnii (Weismann, 1883), a comprehensive account including the ontogenetic stages throughout its normal life cycle is still missing. Here, we report the development of the medusa morph, with description of four consecutive stages distinguished by the morphology of the umbrellar apex and the number of marginal tentacles. Medusae reared at two different temperatures (14 and 25°C) showed identical morphological features, but with shorter developmental time at higher temperature. Additional information on the morphology of the polyp stage is also provided. The implications for an easy morphological identification of T. dohrnii medusae from other congeneric species are discussed.
{"title":"Life cycle, morphology and medusa ontogenesis of Turritopsis dohrnii (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa)","authors":"L. Martell, S. Piraino, C. Gravili, F. Boero","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1203034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1203034","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In spite of considerable research effort on the “immortal jellyfish” Turritopsis dohrnii (Weismann, 1883), a comprehensive account including the ontogenetic stages throughout its normal life cycle is still missing. Here, we report the development of the medusa morph, with description of four consecutive stages distinguished by the morphology of the umbrellar apex and the number of marginal tentacles. Medusae reared at two different temperatures (14 and 25°C) showed identical morphological features, but with shorter developmental time at higher temperature. Additional information on the morphology of the polyp stage is also provided. The implications for an easy morphological identification of T. dohrnii medusae from other congeneric species are discussed.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"118 1","pages":"390 - 399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85897734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1219403
V. Scali, E. Coluccia, F. Deidda, C. Lobina, A. Deiana, S. Salvadori
Abstract Stick insects have been studied mainly for non-conventional reproduction modes, such as parthenogenesis, hybridogenesis and androgenesis. Parallel karyological investigations have evidenced extensive numerical and structural chromosome re-patterning, particularly evident in hybrid parthenogenetic taxa. Chromosome sets of bisexual Leptynia (Pantel) species show an evolutionary trend from 40 to 36 chromosomes and are characterized by cytological satellites of variable size and localization. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 45S ribosomal genes and pentameric (TTAGG)n telomere sequences as probes in two strictly related but karyotypically distinct species, L. montana Scali (2n = 38/37; XX/XO) and L. attenuata Pantel (2n = 36). L. attenuata has recently been split into three subspecies (L. attenuata attenuata, L. attenuata iberica and L. attenuata algarvica), and found to share an XX/XY sex chromosome formula, unusual for stick insects. FISH by 45S rDNA sequences consistently labelled the short arm of the 4th chromosome pair, often of a variable size. Silver staining showed that nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are active. FISH of the telomeric repeats, besides ordinary telomeres, also labelled the short arm of this same pair. The use of both probes in double FISH analysis fully confirmed the co-localization of ribosomal and telomeric highly repeated sequences. Since it is increasingly emerging that the co-localization of NORs and telomeric sequences appears to be a feature shared by evolutionarily distant animals, its possible role is discussed.
{"title":"Co-localization of ribosomal and telomeric sequences in Leptynia (Insecta: Phasmatodea)","authors":"V. Scali, E. Coluccia, F. Deidda, C. Lobina, A. Deiana, S. Salvadori","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1219403","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1219403","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Stick insects have been studied mainly for non-conventional reproduction modes, such as parthenogenesis, hybridogenesis and androgenesis. Parallel karyological investigations have evidenced extensive numerical and structural chromosome re-patterning, particularly evident in hybrid parthenogenetic taxa. Chromosome sets of bisexual Leptynia (Pantel) species show an evolutionary trend from 40 to 36 chromosomes and are characterized by cytological satellites of variable size and localization. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 45S ribosomal genes and pentameric (TTAGG)n telomere sequences as probes in two strictly related but karyotypically distinct species, L. montana Scali (2n = 38/37; XX/XO) and L. attenuata Pantel (2n = 36). L. attenuata has recently been split into three subspecies (L. attenuata attenuata, L. attenuata iberica and L. attenuata algarvica), and found to share an XX/XY sex chromosome formula, unusual for stick insects. FISH by 45S rDNA sequences consistently labelled the short arm of the 4th chromosome pair, often of a variable size. Silver staining showed that nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are active. FISH of the telomeric repeats, besides ordinary telomeres, also labelled the short arm of this same pair. The use of both probes in double FISH analysis fully confirmed the co-localization of ribosomal and telomeric highly repeated sequences. Since it is increasingly emerging that the co-localization of NORs and telomeric sequences appears to be a feature shared by evolutionarily distant animals, its possible role is discussed.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"40 1","pages":"285 - 290"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89489214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1194487
D. Mehrabani, N. Booyash, H. Aqababa, Amin Tamadon, S. Zare, M. Dianatpour
Abstract Development of different embryonic stem cells (ESCs) requires feeder fibroblast cell culture. Moreover, the establishment of fibroblast cell culture especially for endangered species can provide an excellent resource for biological research and preserve precious genetic materials. This study aimed to characterize and determine the growth kinetic of hamster embryonic fibroblast cells. Hamster fetuses of two albino female hamsters were collected between 8 and 10 days of pregnancy. After removal of the head, liver and gut, the fetuses were cut into 1-mm2 pieces and then cultured. After reaching 80–90% confluence, the cells were subcultured. The cells of passage 8 were subcultured in two 24-well plates (2 × 104 cells/well) for 7 days. Three wells per day were counted and the average cell counts at each time point were plotted against time, and the population doubling time (PDT) was determined. Cell viability after freezing and thawing was evaluated. For karyotyping, the cells of the passage 8 were used. The PDT of the cells at passage 8 was about 34.9 h and the viability was 77.9% in the passage 8. The isolated cells were spindle shaped and plastic adherent. The chromosome number and morphology were normal. The favorable morphology, viability, growth kinetic and karyotyping of hamster embryonic fibroblast cells revealed that these cells even at the eighth passage can safely be used as a feeder layer for ESCs, transgenic purposes and gene banks, and also for biological and pharmacological research.
{"title":"Growth kinetics, plasticity and characterization of hamster embryonic fibroblast cells","authors":"D. Mehrabani, N. Booyash, H. Aqababa, Amin Tamadon, S. Zare, M. Dianatpour","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1194487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1194487","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Development of different embryonic stem cells (ESCs) requires feeder fibroblast cell culture. Moreover, the establishment of fibroblast cell culture especially for endangered species can provide an excellent resource for biological research and preserve precious genetic materials. This study aimed to characterize and determine the growth kinetic of hamster embryonic fibroblast cells. Hamster fetuses of two albino female hamsters were collected between 8 and 10 days of pregnancy. After removal of the head, liver and gut, the fetuses were cut into 1-mm2 pieces and then cultured. After reaching 80–90% confluence, the cells were subcultured. The cells of passage 8 were subcultured in two 24-well plates (2 × 104 cells/well) for 7 days. Three wells per day were counted and the average cell counts at each time point were plotted against time, and the population doubling time (PDT) was determined. Cell viability after freezing and thawing was evaluated. For karyotyping, the cells of the passage 8 were used. The PDT of the cells at passage 8 was about 34.9 h and the viability was 77.9% in the passage 8. The isolated cells were spindle shaped and plastic adherent. The chromosome number and morphology were normal. The favorable morphology, viability, growth kinetic and karyotyping of hamster embryonic fibroblast cells revealed that these cells even at the eighth passage can safely be used as a feeder layer for ESCs, transgenic purposes and gene banks, and also for biological and pharmacological research.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"88 1","pages":"306 - 311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82371195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1206976
S. J. Shbailat, S. Qanadilo, F. A. Al-Soubani
Abstract The egg white and egg yolk are the two main sources of nutrients for the developing avian embryo. Egg white ultimately reaches egg yolk before being consumed by the embryo. Previously, in the turkey Meleagris gallopavo, we showed that the major egg white transfer into the yolk through the amnion and intestinal lumen of the embryo started on day 17 and became obvious on day 19. We also suggested that the transferred egg white and endogenous yolk proteins undergo digestion at late developmental stages. However, the protease activity throughout development and the type of activated proteases are completely unexplored in the yolk of turkey eggs. Here, we measured the general proteolytic activity in the egg yolk during different developmental stages using casein as a substrate. Furthermore, we determined the type of activated proteases by employing different types of protease inhibitors. Protease activity in the egg yolk was basal throughout development until day 19 when activity significantly increased, remaining high thereafter. Moreover, acidic aspartic protease(s) were primarily activated in the yolk. Our results suggest that the transferred egg white and endogenous yolk proteins are mostly degraded by the aspartic proteases that become highly activated late in development.
{"title":"Protease activity in the egg yolk during the development of Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes: Phasianidae) embryos","authors":"S. J. Shbailat, S. Qanadilo, F. A. Al-Soubani","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1206976","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1206976","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The egg white and egg yolk are the two main sources of nutrients for the developing avian embryo. Egg white ultimately reaches egg yolk before being consumed by the embryo. Previously, in the turkey Meleagris gallopavo, we showed that the major egg white transfer into the yolk through the amnion and intestinal lumen of the embryo started on day 17 and became obvious on day 19. We also suggested that the transferred egg white and endogenous yolk proteins undergo digestion at late developmental stages. However, the protease activity throughout development and the type of activated proteases are completely unexplored in the yolk of turkey eggs. Here, we measured the general proteolytic activity in the egg yolk during different developmental stages using casein as a substrate. Furthermore, we determined the type of activated proteases by employing different types of protease inhibitors. Protease activity in the egg yolk was basal throughout development until day 19 when activity significantly increased, remaining high thereafter. Moreover, acidic aspartic protease(s) were primarily activated in the yolk. Our results suggest that the transferred egg white and endogenous yolk proteins are mostly degraded by the aspartic proteases that become highly activated late in development.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"10 1","pages":"291 - 297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90652404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1212117
I. Restović, K. Vukojević, M. Saraga-Babic, I. Bočina
Abstract The dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) is a primitive cartilaginous fish, evolutionary placed among cephalochordates (Cephalochordata) and teleost fish (Osteichthyes). In this study we present the ultrastructural features of the dogfish notochordal cells and the notochordal sheath, revealed by light and electron microscopy. The dogfish notochord continuously passes through notochordal canal inside the vertebral centrum. It expands in the area of the intervertebral disc placed in between two adjacent vertebrae. Two notochordal cell types could be distinguished: marginal and central ones. Due to a significant intracellular and intercellular vacuolization central notochordal cells are thin and elongated, forming a net-like structure inside the notochord. The desmosomes are the usual type of junction between notochordal cells. The notochordal sheath of dogfish vertebra is an acellular structure composed of an elastic membrane surrounded by bundles of collagen fibres arranged in different orientations and directions. The ultrastructure of the dogfish notochord revealed a similar structure to those of other vertebrates including humans.
{"title":"Ultrastructural features of the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Pisces: Scyliorhinidae) notochordal cells and the notochordal sheath","authors":"I. Restović, K. Vukojević, M. Saraga-Babic, I. Bočina","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1212117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1212117","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) is a primitive cartilaginous fish, evolutionary placed among cephalochordates (Cephalochordata) and teleost fish (Osteichthyes). In this study we present the ultrastructural features of the dogfish notochordal cells and the notochordal sheath, revealed by light and electron microscopy. The dogfish notochord continuously passes through notochordal canal inside the vertebral centrum. It expands in the area of the intervertebral disc placed in between two adjacent vertebrae. Two notochordal cell types could be distinguished: marginal and central ones. Due to a significant intracellular and intercellular vacuolization central notochordal cells are thin and elongated, forming a net-like structure inside the notochord. The desmosomes are the usual type of junction between notochordal cells. The notochordal sheath of dogfish vertebra is an acellular structure composed of an elastic membrane surrounded by bundles of collagen fibres arranged in different orientations and directions. The ultrastructure of the dogfish notochord revealed a similar structure to those of other vertebrates including humans.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"44 1","pages":"329 - 337"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83700069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-06-30DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1194488
L. Franco‐Belussi, C. Oliveira
Abstract The spleen is a lymphoid organ associated with defense mechanisms in anurans, and also it has pigmented cells. Melanomacrophages (MMs) are melanin-containing cells, which originated from hematopoietic stem cells and are found in hematopoietic organs. Melanin has bactericide and cytoprotective actions against free radicals. Furthermore, the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) induces dispersion of melanosomes in melanocytes, besides having an anti-inflammatory action. Here, we describe the spleen morphology of Physalaemus nattereri and the response of splenic melanomacrophages to the α-MSH hormone. Animals were treated with α-MSH for 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Then, we measured the amount of melanin, lipofuscin and hemosiderin in each treatment. The spleen of P. nattereri is ovoid, and a connective tissue capsule covers the organ externally. There are no septa and the stroma is reduced. The parenchyma has two regions slightly separated from each other: white and red pulps. MMs occur in the red pulp. The α-MSH increased the volume of lipofuscin and hemosiderin in MMs after 6 h, but not melanin. Thus, the α-MSH altered only metabolic substances in splenic melanomacrophages, but not melanin, which usually is responsive to this hormone in hepatic MMs. Also, the description of the spleen morphology can help future comparative morphological and evolutionary studies on spleen morphology of vertebrates.
{"title":"The spleen of Physalaemus nattereri (Amphibia: Anura): morphology, melanomacrophage pigment compounds and responses to α-melanocyte stimulating hormone","authors":"L. Franco‐Belussi, C. Oliveira","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1194488","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1194488","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The spleen is a lymphoid organ associated with defense mechanisms in anurans, and also it has pigmented cells. Melanomacrophages (MMs) are melanin-containing cells, which originated from hematopoietic stem cells and are found in hematopoietic organs. Melanin has bactericide and cytoprotective actions against free radicals. Furthermore, the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) induces dispersion of melanosomes in melanocytes, besides having an anti-inflammatory action. Here, we describe the spleen morphology of Physalaemus nattereri and the response of splenic melanomacrophages to the α-MSH hormone. Animals were treated with α-MSH for 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Then, we measured the amount of melanin, lipofuscin and hemosiderin in each treatment. The spleen of P. nattereri is ovoid, and a connective tissue capsule covers the organ externally. There are no septa and the stroma is reduced. The parenchyma has two regions slightly separated from each other: white and red pulps. MMs occur in the red pulp. The α-MSH increased the volume of lipofuscin and hemosiderin in MMs after 6 h, but not melanin. Thus, the α-MSH altered only metabolic substances in splenic melanomacrophages, but not melanin, which usually is responsive to this hormone in hepatic MMs. Also, the description of the spleen morphology can help future comparative morphological and evolutionary studies on spleen morphology of vertebrates.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"28 1","pages":"298 - 305"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89178175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-06-28DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1186235
A. Bonifazi, D. Ventura, M. F. Gravina
Abstract Holoplanktonic polychaetes constitute an exception within this taxon, which as adults colonize all the whole variety of brackish water and marine habitats. Nevertheless, they form a distinctive group in marine zooplankton and play an important role in the pelagic trophic nets. Pelagic worms are little studied, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, while information regarding the distribution of the families Typhloscolecidae and Iospilidae along Italian coasts is a century out of date. This paper deals with the state of knowledge of these polychaetes; it summarizes the previous records, updating them with the new records here reported from Tyrrhenian Sea, in order to check whether they have a bearing on Italian fauna. The findings reported in this paper confirm the presence of the Typhloscolecidae, with the species Sagitella kowalewskyi and Typhloscolex muelleri, and of the Iospilidae, with the species Phalacrophorus pictus and Iospilus phalacroides, along the Italian coasts, validating, in each case, their current presence in the Italian fauna. The main morphological features of these species and a dichotomous key for their identification are also reported.
{"title":"New records of old species: some pelagic polychaetes along the Italian coast","authors":"A. Bonifazi, D. Ventura, M. F. Gravina","doi":"10.1080/11250003.2016.1186235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1186235","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Holoplanktonic polychaetes constitute an exception within this taxon, which as adults colonize all the whole variety of brackish water and marine habitats. Nevertheless, they form a distinctive group in marine zooplankton and play an important role in the pelagic trophic nets. Pelagic worms are little studied, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, while information regarding the distribution of the families Typhloscolecidae and Iospilidae along Italian coasts is a century out of date. This paper deals with the state of knowledge of these polychaetes; it summarizes the previous records, updating them with the new records here reported from Tyrrhenian Sea, in order to check whether they have a bearing on Italian fauna. The findings reported in this paper confirm the presence of the Typhloscolecidae, with the species Sagitella kowalewskyi and Typhloscolex muelleri, and of the Iospilidae, with the species Phalacrophorus pictus and Iospilus phalacroides, along the Italian coasts, validating, in each case, their current presence in the Italian fauna. The main morphological features of these species and a dichotomous key for their identification are also reported.","PeriodicalId":14615,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Zoology","volume":"255 1","pages":"364 - 371"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75546439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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