Cytological differentiation of the mesothelial cells of the yolk sac of the bat, Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala

RNA-seq reveals conservation of function among the yolk sacs of human, mouse, and chicken

The yolk sac is phylogenetically the oldest of the extraembryonic membranes. The human embryo retains a yolk sac, which goes through primary and secondary phases of development, but its importance is controversial. Although it is known to synthesize proteins, its transport functions are widely considered vestigial. Here, we report RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data for the human and murine yolk sacs and compare those data with data for the chicken. We also relate the human RNA-seq data to proteomic data for the coelomic fluid bathing the yolk sac. Conservation of transcriptomes across the species indicates that the human secondary yolk sac likely performs key functions early in development, particularly uptake and processing of macro- and micronutrients, many of which are found in coelomic fluid. More generally, our findings shed light on evolutionary mechanisms that give rise to complex structures such as the placenta. We identify genetic modules that are conserved across mammals and birds, suggesting these modules are part of the core amniote genetic repertoire and are the building blocks for both oviparous and viviparous reproductive modes. We propose that although a choriovitelline placenta is never established physically in the human, the placental villi, the exocoelomic cavity, and the secondary yolk sac function together as a physiological equivalent.

Ultrastructure of the placenta and fetal membranes of the dog: II. The yolk sac

Yolk sacs from dogs at 40, 50, and 60 days of gestation were examined by electron microscopy. Free ribosomes, mitochondria, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) are more prominent in both endoderm and mesothelium at 40 and 50 days than at 60 days, suggesting a greater synthetic capacity at the earlier stages. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) and glycogen are also present in greater amounts in the endoderm in the earlier stages. In the mesothelium, however, low amounts of sER and glycogen are consistently present. Certain possibilities relative to the nature of the synthetic activities in these two tissues are discussed. Large amounts of smooth-surfaced vesicles were observed along the basal edges of the 60-day mesothelium; they are indicative of transport processes occurring at this time. As gestation proceeds, in both endoderm and mesothelium, the Golgi complex remains well developed, there are more numerous lysosomelike bodies, and bundles of intermediate filaments either increase or become more diffused. In some endoderm cells at 60 days, large vacuoles and dense glycogen deposits were noted. These observations indicate that degenerative processes are gradually occurring in the endoderm and mesothelium as parturition draws near. Erythropoiesis occurs in the mesenchyme at 40 and 50 days. At 40 days also, segments of endothelium were seen within blood islands, indicating that the endothelial lining of some yolk sac vessels differentiates from cells located in the interior of such islands.

The mesothelium and its reactions: a review

The origins, nature, and reactions of the mesothelium have intrigued investigators for over 100 years. Recently, the use of sophisticated techniques has clarified earlier impressions of its development, structure, and function. The structure of mesothelium reflects its functional properties, its long slender microvilli entrapping a layer of glycosoaminoglycans, providing a frictionless free surface between the parietal and visceral serosa. Transport requirements are met by various surface modifications and both inter- and intra-cellular mechanisms occur. The presence of stomatal openings in the mesothelial membrane has been established, and they may have a major role to play in the movement of cells to and from the serosal cavities. In addition, mesothelial cells can respond to situations of increased functional demand and during the course of inflammation, the mesothelium's fibrinolytic properties are of major importance in preventing the formation of adhesions and the enhancement of healing. Of all the unanswered questions the most significant is the nature, localization, and potentialities of mesothelial precursors. A mesodermal origin is readily acknowledged, but the healing process of damaged mesothelium is less clear. It seems probable that "mature" mesothelium is one source of cell renewal, but mesenchymal cells located in the submesothelial serosa are also strong contenders. Neoplastic mesothelium can adopt a spectrum of histological appearances, reflecting its mesodermal origins. In fact, overacceptance of this concept has erroneously led to the classification of other neoplasms arising in the serosal area as mesotheliomas. Although the ocogenic sequence is still obscure, asbestos is recognized as the major etiologic agent in malignant mesotheliomas. In 1955, Hartwell described differing impressions of the peritoneum as seen through the eyes of an anatomist, an histologist, and a surgeon. In this review on the mesothelium we have attempted to unravel some of its complexities as viewed by embryologists, electronmicroscopists, cell biologists, pathologists, and oncologists.

Structure and morphogenesis of the uterus, placenta, and paraplacental organs of the neotropical disc-winged bat Thyroptera tricolor spix (Microchiroptera: Thyropteridae)

The structure and development of the female reproductive tract, fetal membranes and placental have not previously been recorded for any member of the family Thyropteridae. Recently implanted embryos were obtained in late January, limb-bud stages in March, and full-term fetuses in late May, suggesting a possible gestation length of approximately five months. It is likely, however, that Thyroptera experiences at least two breeding cycles per year. The uterus was narrowly bicornuate; the corpus uteri was unusually large and lacked the glandular density observed in the cornua. The cervix was long, pleated, and relatively aglandular. The oviducts opened at the apices of the cornua; oviductal papillae were absent. A bursa ovarii surrounded the ovary, but there was a small pore opening to the peritoneal cavity adjacent to the fimbriated end of the oviduct. Never more than a single embryo or fetus was present, and only a single corpus luteum was observed; thus Thyroptera, like most bats, is monovular. Ovoimplantation was interstitial; a decidua capsularis was present early but disappeared by the late limb-bud stage. The decidual reaction involved both glandular epithelium and stromal cells, but most of the decidua was destroyed by term. Amniogenesis was initiated after implantation, by cavitation. Primitive entoderm was formed precociously above, as well as below, the presumptive embryonic disc, and a thin extension of Reichert's membrane passed over the cell mass, separating it from the cytotrophoblast of the chorionic placenta. During the amniogenic period, the yolk-sac entoderm fused to the parietal trophoblast via an intervening Reichert's membrane, forming an extensive bilaminar omphalopleure; this was rapidly converted to a trilaminar structure in early post-implantation stages. An avascular chorio-vitelline relationship involved most of the chorionic wall in early post-implantation stages and persisted to term in the abembryonic hemisphere after the partial inversion of the yolk-sac roof in late presomite embryos. The invaginated yolk-sac roof (splanchnopleure) also persisted to term as a viable paraplacental component. A small sac-like allantois was formed between late presomite and early limb-bud stages but disappeared by the late limb-bud stage. Development of the definitive chorioallantoic placenta resembled that in other bats, but the maternal endothelium disappeared relatively early, and trophoblastic differentiation was precocious. The ultrastructural organization of the interhemal membrane was hemodichorial, and otherwise generally resembled the organization previously described in vespertilionid bats. Similarities and differences in the structure of the uterus, placenta, and paraplacental organs of Thyropteridae, in comparison with other families of bats, are discussed. On the basis of fetal membrane characteristics, the Thyropteridae show closer affinities with the Phyllostomatoidea than with the Vespertilionoidea, to which they are presently assigned.

Erythropoiesis in the yolk sac of the bat Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala

The process of erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis in the yolk sac of the bat (Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala) has been studied through the use of both light and electron microscopy. Stem cells arise from the leading edge of the migrating splanchnic mesoderm and transform into primitive erythroblasts. Differentiation involves either contact or association with the endodermal cells, since all erythropoietic activity occurs on the endodermal side of the expanding vascular bed, and many of the cells are in close apposition to the lateral or basal plasma membranes of the endodermal cells. Endodermal cells also phagocytize developing primitive erythroblasts during the later stage of the process when erythropoiesis is subsiding in the yolk sac. Cells destined to become the endothelium of the expanding vascular bed also arise from the leading edge of the migrating splanchnic mesoderm. Their process of differentiation involves the development of cytoplasmic extensions that may surround a group of differentiating erythroblasts, enclosing them in the newly formed lumen of the blood vessel. The cytoplasmic extensions make contact and develop junctional complexes with similar processes from other cells to complete the lumen of the lengthening vascular bed. Cells of the granulocyte series or megakaryocytes are not observed in the yolk sac of the bat as has been described in certain other species.

Cytological development of yolk sac endoderm and protein-absorptive mesothelium in the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus

The yolk sac of the little brown bat is unusual in that during the course of gestation both the inner endodermal cells (bordering the yolk sac cavity) and outer mesothelium (facing the exocelom) form simple columnar epithelia which persist throughout gestation. These endodermal cells develop an extensive system of agranular endoplasmic reticulum, numerous lipid droplets and unusual "giant" mitochondria. During development the Golgi apparatus changes position from the apical to the basal side of the nucleus, reversing the polarity of the cells. In general, the endodermal cells have cytological features suggestive of synthetic or secretory activity. The mesothelial cells develop an extensive "absorptive apparatus" in their apices, while large crystalloid-containing granules become numerous in their basal cytoplasm. The mesothelial cells have large deposits of glycogen, especially during mid-gestation, but few mitochondria and little granular endoplasmic reticulum. Endodermal cells do not absorb exogenous protein (peroxidase) even if it is injected directly into the yolk sac cavity. However, placement of peroxidase either in the exocelom or in the maternal vascular system results in the appearance of this protein in the "absorptive apparatus" of mesothelial cells as well as in macrophages in the stroma of the yolk sac. While evidence of absorption was clear, no direct evidence of transport of tracer to fetal blood vascular system was obtained. It is postulated that a major function of the hypertrophied mesothelial cells during gestation is the absorption of proteins and possibly other substances from the exocelomic fluid. The major function of the hypertrophied endodermal cells may be synthesis and secretion of substances into the fetal circulation.