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Hepatic ultrastructural specialization in Antarctic fishes

Cell and Tissue Research volume 219, pages 489–496 (1981)Cite this article

Summary

Compared with those of other vertebrate animals, the livers of Antarctic fishes have a unique type of perisinusoidal (Ito) cell. These cells were studied in 9 species with emphasis on Dissostichus mawsoni. Perisinusoidal cells are found in large numbers throughout the liver, have long cytoplasmic arms and, in Dissostichus, contain numerous lipid droplets. The extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and prominent nucleolus are ultrastructural characteristics indicating that these cells are engaged in protein synthesis. An evolutionary specialization, perisinusoidal cells may be partially responsible for the elevated levels of protein synthesis characteristic of fishes in the Antarctic marine environment.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA

    Joseph T. Eastman

  2. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA

    Arthur L. DeVries

Authors
  1. Joseph T. Eastman
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  2. Arthur L. DeVries
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Eastman, J.T., DeVries, A.L. Hepatic ultrastructural specialization in Antarctic fishes. Cell Tissue Res. 219, 489–496 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00209988

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00209988

Key words

  • Liver
  • Perisinusoidal cell
  • Protein
  • Antarctic fishes