Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of psocids (Insecta, Psocoptera)

The sense organs on the antennal flagella of five species of winged psocids belonging to two families of Psocoptera, Psocidae and Leptopsocidae, have been examined, All agree in possessing tactile hairs, thick-walled chemoreceptors and long, porous chemoreceptors. Thin-walled chemoreceptors were identified in all species except Metylophorous novaescotiae. Coeloconic chemoreceptors were present in all species except Echmepteryx hageni. Campaniform sense organs were found only in Metylophorus novaescotiae and Psocus leidyi.

Fine structure of the sensilla of Peripatopsis moseleyi (Onychophora)

Three types of sensilla occurring on the lips and on the antennae of Peripatopsis moseleyi have been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. On the lips sensory spines can be found which contain numerous cilia originating from bipolar receptor cells. They reach the tip of the spine where the cuticle is modified. The perikarya of the sensory cells, a large supporting cell with a complicated surface and a second type of receptor, form a bud-like structure and are surrounded by a layer of collagen fibrils. The second receptor cell bears apical stereocilia as well as a kinocilium which are directed towards the centre of the animal -- thus the cell appears to be turned upside down. The sensilla of the antennae are 1) sensory bristles containing two or three kinds of receptor cells, one of which bears an apical cilium and one kind of supportive cell and 2) sensory bulbs located within furrows consisting of receptor cells with branched cilia and two kinds of supportive cells which are covered by a modified thin cuticle. According to the electron microscopical findings the sensory spines on the lips are presumably chemoreceptors. The sensory bristles on the antennae can be regarded as mechanoreceptors and the sensory bulbs as chemoreceptors.

Relationship between structure and function of antennal chemo-, hygro-, and thermoreceptive sensilla in Periplaneta americana

On the antennae of Periplaneta americana, 25 chemo-, hygro- or thermosensitive sensilla were investigated electrophysiologically and, after marking, by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A clear-cut relationship of functional types to structural types was observed. Two different stimulus conducting structures were observed: a) pore tubules which are found only in smooth, single-walled sensory pegs and b) secretion-filled canals which occur only in grooved double-walled sensilla. Temperature- and humidity-sensitive receptors occur only in double-walled sensilla with secretion material as the stimulus conducting system. Olfactory sensory cells were found in both types, however, those with a specific sensitivity for short-chain n-alcohols are restricted to single-walled pegs with pore tubules, while those which are most sensitive to short-chain n-acids and amines are found in double-walled sensilla, sometimes together with thermosensitive units. The stimulus conducting systems may control the access of odorous substances to the dendritic membranes and thus contribute to the discriminatory properties of the sensilla.

Gill receptor arrays in the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)

The branchial warts on the endopodites of the gills are covered with goblet-shaped cuticular appendages, whose internal structure shows them to be chemoreceptors. The innervated goblets have a cuticular tubule that connects an external pore through their hollow interior with the epidermal sensillum. Associated sensory neurons give rise to small axons that pass through a synaptic plexus below the epidermis. The sense organs seem specialized for sampling the exhalent water current.

Identification of the epidermal "Stiftchenzellen" of frog tadpoles by electron microscopy

Differentiated surface epidermal cells observed in the skin of tadpoles of Rana temporaria by electron microscopy have been identified with the Stiftchenzellen originally described by Kölliker in 1885. The cells have apical microvilli or a single apical projection and appear to have synaptic associations with nerve fibres in the epidermis. The distribution, dimensions and structure of the cells are in agreement with descriptions from le cells are sensory in nature. In addition, there are fine structural resemblances to the gustatory cells of fish and of amphibians which suggest that the Stiftchenzellen are chemoreceptors.

Ultrastructure of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum (Phormia regina)

The ultrastructure of a well studied insect chemosensory unit is presented in this report. Two separate lumina are present in this chemosensory unit, the trichogen and sensillar lumina. The fluid within the trichogen lumen exclusively bathes the dendritic terminals, and may be involved with the reception and/or modulation of environmental stimuli. Cytoplasmic extensions of the trichogen cell which line the trichogen lumen may be involved in the production of the cuticular sheath. The sensillar lumen is bordered by the tormogen and a sleeve cell, and is continuous with the unoccupied channel of the setal shaft. Functions for the various cellular components of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum are offered.

Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of worker Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki

Three types of setae were found on the antenna of workers of C. formosanus. Sensilla basiconica function as chemoreceptors. They are non-socketed, with fixed plate base, thin walled, and perforated. Pore tubules are contained within the cuticular pores of s. basiconica. The pore tubules have direct contact with the dendritic branches within the sensilla. The other sensilla are tactile mechanoreceptors. The longest setae (sensilla trichodea) are thick walled, socketed, mononeuronic, and non-perforated. The shorter mechanoreceptors (sensilla chaetica) have the same characteristics as s. trichodea, except that they are sometimes dineuronic. The numbers and distribution of the sensilla were established.

Gustatory hairs on the mosquito, Culiseta inornata

Gustatory hairs were investigated on the legs and mouthparts of Culiseta inornata (Williston) (Diptera: Culicidae). One type of hair, each innervated by four neurons, was found on the legs. Two of the neurons responded to NaCl stimulation, one neuron to water stimulation, and one neuron to sucrose stimulation. Three kinds of hairs designated Type I (T1), Type 2 (T2) and Type 3 (T3) were analyzed on the labella. The T1 hairs are innervated by one sugar neuron, one mechanoreceptor, two salt neurons and one water neuron. The T2 hairs are innervated by two salt neurons and one mechanoreceptor. The T3 hairs, located on the oral surface of the labella, are innervated by a variable number (2-5) of neurons. Precise identification of the T3 chemosensory neurons was not made because of the small size and inaccessibility of the T3 hairs. Chemosensory hairs on the tip of the labrum were tested electrophysiologically. the sequence of decreasing effeectiveness for the three salts tested was KCl greater than NaCl greater than LiCl. Labral chemoreceptors also responded positively to sucrose.

An electron microscopic study on the effects of reserpine on the subclavian glomera of the rabbit

Young male and female New Zealand white rabbits were given a daily subcutaneous injection of reserpine (Serpasil, Ciba; 3 mg/kg) for two days and were sacrificed 24 hours after the last injection. The subclavian glomera (aortic bodies) were processed for electron microscopy to determine the effects of this biogenic amine depleting agent on the electron-opaque cytoplasmic granules of the parenchymal type I cells. Observations of glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide fixed glomera from reserpinized animals showed a slight decrease in granule density of the type I cells. Glomera fixed in glutaraldehyde and incubated in potassium dichromate (pH 4.1) demonstrated a reduction in granule opacity following reserpine treatment. Control glomera incubated in potassium dichromate displayed electron-opaque granules. These results indicate that reserpine does deplete the amines without granule disappearance or changes in granule population. The positive reaction of the control tissue granules to potassium dichromate incubation suggests that the predominant biogenic amines in the electron-opaque granules are unsubstituted monoamines. Persistence of the opaque granules following reserpinization and glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide double fixation, may be due to amine-binding protein within the granules. The mode of granule depletion could not be ascertained with certainty.

Light, fluorescence and electron microscopic studies of rabbit subclavian glomera

The subclavian glomera (aortic bodies) of young New Zealand white rabbits were studied with the light, fluorescence, and electron microscopes. Two cell types were identified: type I, granule-containing (chief) cells, and type II, agranular (sustentacular) cells. The type I cells possessed large nuclei, the normal complement of cytoplasmic organelles and numerous electron-opaque cytoplasmic granules. The type II cells were agranular with attenuated cytoplasmic processes which partially or completely ensheathed the type I cells. The glomera were well vascularized. Capillary endothelial cells contained numerous pinocytotic vesicles, but few fenestrae. Two profiles of nerve terminals were observed. One, apposing the type I cells, contained numerous electron-lucent vesicles, several dense-cored vesicles, mitochondria and possessed membrane specializations resembling those usually observed in synaptic zones. The other profile contained abundant mitochondria and a few electron-lucent and dense-cored vesicles. Structural specializations were not observed on the apposed membranes of these terminals or adjacent to type II cells. Fluorescence histochemistry revealed an intense yellow-green fluorescence in the glomera, which indicated the presence of biogenic amines, possibly primary catecholamines or an indolamine. The electron-opaque granules observed in the type I cells were believed to be the storage sites for these amines. The subclavian glomera were found to be morphologically similar to the carotid body which is a known chemoreceptor.

Fine structure of the subradular organ of Lepidochitona cinereus (L), (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)

Electron microscopy of the subradular organ of the chiton Lepidochitona cinereus (L) reveals at least three cell types, microvillous, ciliated and mucus-secreting, situated in a single epithelium. The base of the epithelium is abundantly innervated and supplied with muscle cells. The fine structure is consistent with a chemosensory function for the subradular organ.

Surface fine structure of the globiferous pedicellariae of the regular echinoid, Psammechinus miliaris Gmelin

The globiferous pedicellariae of Psammechinus miliaris are described. Two fixation methods giving minimal distortion and rapid tissue hardening were adapted for soft tissue preparation for scanning electron microscopy. The pedicellarial valves are covered by a microvillous epithelium. The outer valve epithelial microvilli overlying red spherulocytes in the epidermis are characterized by a filament matrix radiating out from each microvillus. These microvilli may function in epidermal absorption of organic solutes. The inner valve microvilli are more densely packed and the filament matrix is absent. Ciliation is confined to the inner valve surface where the cilia are concentrated to form a distal sensory pad and sensory hillock. Behavioural evidence suggests a chemo- and mechanosensory role for the inner valve surface.

Chemoreceptors and feeding in calanoid copepods (Arthropoda: Crustacea)

Ultrastructural studies of the mouthparts of the calanoid copepod Diaptomus pallidus have revealed the presence of numerous chemoreceptors, and the apparent absence of mechanoreceptors. The setae contain no muscles, and the setules are noncellular extensions of their chitin wall. This allows a new insight into the selective feeding of zooplankters.

The labrum of Schedorhinotermes minor soldier (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae): morphology, innervation and fine-structure

The labrum of Schedorhiontermes minor soldier was examined to determine the distribution, types and structures of sense organs present with both light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Three types of sensilla were recognized: companiform sensillae and two types of sensillae trichodea, the short bristles and the long bristles. The companiform sensillae are singly-innervated receptors distributed in large numbers on the anterolateral margins of the labrum. The short and long bristles are multi-innervated; the former are found all over the surface, the latter are much more scarce and are found only at the front of the labrum. Both are at the same time chemo- and mechanoreceptors. The labrum is strewn with many glandular pits and exhibits at its apex a brush of cuticular not innervated spines. On the basis of ultrastructural evidence and of what we know of the defense mechanisms of the soldier, a functional interpretation is attempted.

The ultrastructure of the sensory cells in the chemoreceptor of the ommatophore of Helix pomatia L

Most of the sensory cells found in the chemoreceptor of the ommatophore of Helix pomatia are typical bipolar cells. The chemoreceptor is deveded by a furrow into two parts; within the ventral subdivision the layer of sensory cell bodiesis thicker than in the dorsal part. According to the differentiations of the apical surface of the dendrites, it is possible to distinguish six different classes: a) dendrites with one cilium and 75 nm thick cytofila (sometimes dendrites of identical appearance posses more than one cilium); b)dendrites with several cilial and 150 nm thick cytofila; c) dendrites with several cilia, 50 nm thick cytofila, and long, striated rootlets; d) dendrites with several cilia bur without cytofila; e) dendrites with 130 nm thick cytofila but without cilia; and f) dendrites with 65 nm thick cytofila but without cilia; dendrites of this class are the only ones with a cytoplasm more electron dense than that of the surrounding supporting cells. All these dendrites are connected to the surrounding supporting cells by terminal bars, each consisting of zonula adhaerens, aonula intermedia and zonula septata. The perikarya of the sensory cells measure approximately 15 mum by 8 mum and enclose 10 mum by 6 mum large nuclei. Axons, originating from these perikarya, extend to the branches of the digital ganglion. In the distal part of this gangloin the axons come into synaptic contact with interneurons, but in our electron micrography it was not possible to coordinate processes and synapses with the corresponding neurons.

Ciliated sensory neurons in the lip of the squid Lolliguncula brevis Blainville

The lip of Lolliguncula brevis is a muscular fold covered by a simple columnar epithelium and overlayed medially and distally by a non-cellular cuticle. Bipolar sensory cells in the epithelium have a shallow pocket with cilia and microvilli at the free end of their dendrite. The cilia project out onto the surface through pores in the cuticle. Cells with intracellular cilia were observed below the epithelium. These cells send a process toward the surface of the lip. These two receptors are compared to the receptors previously described from the lip of Sepia.

[The effect of ouabain on the sugar receptor of the contact chemoreceptive sensilla of the fly Protophormia terraenovae]

Studies have been made on the inhibitory effect of ouabain solutions on bioelectrical activity of the labellar sensillae of flied. It was shown that 10(-2) M ouabain solution irreversibly inhibits the activity, where as 10(-3) and 10(-4) M concentrations decrease the frequency of impulses within 40-60 min. Ouabain solution is a specific stimulator of the sugar receptor of the sensillae with a threshold of 10(-7) M; in combination with 0.2 M glucose, it inhibits impulse activity with the first 200 msec of stimulation. The effect is observed in a narrow zone of ouabain concentrations, with a maximum approximately at 10(-4) M. Differences between the effects of the inhibitor at the vicinity of the onset of generator potential and those in the impulse activity zones on the membrane of the sensory cell are suggested.

The fine structure of the olfactory and vomeronasal organs of a lizard (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides)

Olfactory epithelium in Tiliqua scinoides is of a loosely packed pseudostratified type. It receives secretion from the supporting cells and the underlying glands of Bowman. Its surface bears microvilli and cilia from sensory cells and microvilli from supporting cells. The vomeronasal epithelium is also pseudostratified but higher and more closely packed. Its surface carries microville from sensory and supporting cells but lacks cilia. Vascular connective tissue penetrates it almost to the epithelial surface but is always outlined by basal cell processes and a basal lamina. There are no secretory cells in or under the sensory epithelium but some cells in the epithelium of the mushroom body contain secretion granules. Sensory cells of both epithelia are bipolar neurons. The perikarya of the vomeronasal cells are more neuronal in character. Axonic processes are similar in both, dendrites are distinctive. Olfactory dendrites end in rounded rods bearing microvilli and cilia of an unusual type. Microville with filamentous cores occur on vomeronasal dendrites. There are no cilia, but 2-6 centrioles appear below the cell surface. Basal cells are structurally similar in both epithelia, but axonic processes of olfactory cells are surrounded by supporting cell processes, while vomeronasal axonic processes are surrounded by basal cells before they leave the epithelium. The presence of cilia and microville on the surface of the sensory cells is discussed in relation to the physical conditions surrounding them.