Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of Myxine glutinosa

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und Mikroskopische Anatomie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The ultrastructure of adenohypophysial cells in the Atlantic hagfish (Myxine glutinosa) is described and the morphological evidence for secretory activity is discussed. A scarcity of secretory granules is characteristic of the adenohypophysis of Myxine. Two cell types having the appearance of protein hormone producing cells can be identified. Type 1 has dense membrane-bound granules with a calculated mean diameter of 88 nm while type 2 has larger granules with a mean diameter of 176 nm. The release of secretory granular material follows mainly the “membrane-release” pattern. It is suggested that cell type 1 may produce a hormone which is similar to ACTH/MSH and type 2 another hormone similar to STH/LTH. The basophilic cells contain a secretory material which is similar to the mucus produced in the epithelial mucus cells.

Several structural modifications are considered to represent functional compensations for the absence of vascular elements in the gland. Among these are a cytoplasmic tubular system, certain long agranular cells together with long granule-containing projections from cell types 1 and 2, and foliate or finger-like invaginations of the basal lamina.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adam, H.: Hypophyse und hypothalamo-neurohypophysäres Neurosekretsystem bei den Cyclostomen Myxine glutinosa und Bdellostoma stouti. Zool. Anz., Suppl. 23, 157–171 (1960).

  • Adam, H.: The pituitary gland. In: The biology of Myxine. Eds. Brodal, A., Fänge, R., p. 459–476. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aler, G., Båge, G., Fernholm, B.: On the existence of prolactin in cyclostomes. Gen. comp. Endocr. 16, 498–503 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Benedeczky, I., Smith, A. D.: Ultrastructural studies on the adrenal medulla of golden hamster: Origin and fate of secretory granules. Z. Zellforsch. 124, 367–386 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackstad, T.: The skin and the slime glands. In: The biology of Myxine. Eds. Brodal, A., Fänge, R., p. 195–230. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cammermeyer, J.: An evaluation of the significance of the dark neuron. In: Ergebn. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 36, 1–61. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole, F. J.: A monograph on the general morphology of the myxinoid fishes based on a study of Myxine. Part IV. The morphology of the vascular system. Trans. roy. Soc. Edinb. 54, 309–342 (1926).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahl, H. A.: On the cilium cell relationship in the adenohypophysis of the mouse. Z. Zellforsch. 83, 169–177 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dingemans, K. P., Feltkamp, C. A.: Nongranulated cells in the mouse adenohypophysis. Z. Zellforsch. 124, 387–405 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Doerr-Schott, J.: La pars tuberalis de Rana temporaria L.: cytologie et ultrastructure. Gen. comp. Endocr. 16, 516–523 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, P., Girod, C.: Formations colloidales et cellules ciliées dans l'antéhypophyse du Hamster doré (Mesocricetus auratus Waterh.). C.R. Soc. Biol. (Paris) 161, 2496–2499 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, P., Girod, C.: Les cellules ciliées de l'antéhypophyse. Z. Zellforsch. 103, 502–517 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, M. G.: Processing of secretory products by cells of the anterior pituitary gland. In: Subcellular organization and function in endocrine tissues. Eds. Heller, H., Lederis, K., p. 79–124. London: Cambridge University Press 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernholm, B.: Ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of Myxine glutinosa. Abstr. Gen. comp. Endocr. 9, 450 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernholm, B.: A third embryo of Myxine: Considerations on hypophysial ontogeny and phylogeny. Acta zool. (Stockh.) 50, 169–177 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernholm, B.: Neurohypophysial-adenohypophysial relations in hagfish (Myxinoidea, Cyclostomata). Gen. comp. Endocr., Suppl. 2. In press (1972).

  • Fernholm, B., Olsson, R.: A cytopharmacological study of the Myxine adenohypophysis. Gen. comp. Endocr. 13, 336–356 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, W. C.: Studies on the endocrinology of the skate pituitary. Mount Desert Island Biol. Lab. Bull. 4, 37–38 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harb, J. M., Copeland, D. E.: Fine structure of the pseudobranch of the flounder Paralichthys lethostigma. Z. Zellforsch. 101, 167–174 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, N. E.: Fine structure of the neurohypophysis of the hagfish, Eptatretus stouti. Soc. Française Micr. Electronique, p. 575–576. Paris 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, N. E., Gorbman, A.: Fine structure of the thyroid follicle of the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti. Gen. comp. Endocr. 16, 409–429 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Herlant, M.: The cells of the adenohypophysis and their functional significance. Int. Rev. Cytol. 17, 299–382 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, K.: Ultrastructure and response to background illumination of the melanophores of the Atlantic hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L. Gen. comp. Endocr. 10, 421–428 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, K.: The hagfish retina: Fine structure of retinal cells in Myxine glutinosa L., with special reference to receptor and epithelial cells. Z. Zellforsch. 111, 519–538 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmgren, N.: On the pronephros and the blood in Myxine glutinosa. Acta zool. (Stockh.) 31, 233–348 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • Idler, D. R., Sangalang, G. B., Weisbart, M.: Are corticosteroids present in the blood of all fish? Proc. 3rd int. Congr. Hormonal Steroids, Hamburg 1970. Int. Congr. Series, No 219, p. 983–989. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica Foundation 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karnovsky, M. J.: A formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 27, 137A (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessel, R. G.: Annulate lamellae. J. Ultrastruct. Res., Suppl. 10, 1–82 (1968).

  • Kim, S. U., Masurovsky, E. B., Benitez, H. H., Murray, M. R.: Histochemical studies of the intranuclear rodlet in neurons of chicken sympathetic and sensory ganglia. Histochemie 24, 33–40 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobayashi, H., Uemura, H.: The neurohypophysis of the hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri (Girard). Gen. comp. Endocr., Suppl. 2. In press (1972).

  • Krisch, B., Becker, K., Bargmann, W.: Exocytose im Hinterlappen der Hypophyse. Z. Zellforsch. 123, 47–54 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsen, L. O., Rosenkilde, P.: Iodine metabolism in normal, hypophysectomized, and thyrotropin-treated river lampreys, Lampetra fluviatilis (Gray) L. (Cyclostomata). Gen. comp. Endocr. 17, 94–105 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Leak, L. V.: Electron microscopy of cardiac tissue in a primitive vertebrate Myxine glutinosa. J. Morph. 128, 131–158 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Leatherland, J. F.: Seasonal variation in the structure and ultrastructure of the pituitary gland in the marine form (Trachurus) of the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L. II Proximal pars distalis and neuro-intermediate lobe. Z. Zellforsch. 104, 318–336 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowry, P. J., Chadwick, A.: Interrelations of some pituitary hormones. Nature (Lond.) 226, 219–222 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Matty, A. J.: The pituitary of Myxine glutinosa. Nature (Lond.) 185, 180–181 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Matty, A. J.: The adenohypophysis of Myxine glutinosa. Abstr. Arch. Anat. micr. Morph. exp. 54, 628 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Matty, A. J.: Endocrine glands in lower vertebrates. Int. Rev. General exp. Zool. 2, 43–138 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mikami, S.-I., Tanimura, I.: Differential stainings for the adenohypophysis after removal of the epoxy resin from the tissue. J. Fac. Agric. Iwate Univ. 9, 77–85 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, F., Palade, G. E.: Lytic activities in renal protein absorption droplets. An electron microscopical cytochemical study. J. Cell Biol. 23, 519–552 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Millonig, G.: Advantage of a phosphate buffer for OsO4 solution in fixation. J. appl. Physiol. 32, 1637 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mira-Moser, F.: L'ultrastructure de l'adénohypophyse du crapaud Bufo bufo L. I. Identification des types cellulaires et comparaison des résultats obtenus avec deux fixateurs différents. Z. Zellforsch. 105, 65–90 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mira-Moser, F.: II. Etude de l'évolution des cellules glycoprotidiques de types II après thyroidectomie chirurgicale. Z. Zellforsch. 112, 266–286 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugnaini, E.: “Dark cells” in electron micrographs from the C. N. S. of vertebrates. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 12, 235 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugnaini, E.: On the occurrence of filamentous rodlets in neurons and glia cells of Myxine glutinosa L. Sarsia 29, 221–232 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugnaini, E., Harboe, S. B.: The lives of Myxine glutinosa: A true tubular gland. Z. Zellforsch. 78, 341–369 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugnaini, E., Walberg, F.: Ultrastructure of neuroglia. Ergebn. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 37, 194–236 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugnaini, E., Walberg, F.: The fine structure of the capillaries and their surroundings in the cerebral hemispheres of Myxine glutinosa L. Z. Zellforsch. 66, 333–351 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nansen, F.: A protandric hermaphrodite (Myxine glutinosa L.) amongst the vertebrates. Bergens Mus. Årsberetn. 7, 1–34 (1887).

    Google Scholar 

  • Niall, H. D., Hogan, M. L., Sauer, R., Rosenblum, I. Y., Greenwood, F. C.: Sequences of pituitary and placental lactogenic and growth hormones: Evolution from a primordial peptide by gene reduplication. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 68, 866–869 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicoll, C. S., Bern, H. A.: Further analysis of the occurrence of pigeon crop sac stimulating activity (prolactin) in the vertebrate adenohypophysis. Gen. comp. Endocr. 11, 5–20 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Novak, V. J. A.: The question of evolution of the juvenile hormone. Acta entomol. bohemoslov. 62, 165–170 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nygren, A., Jahnke, M.: Cytological studies in Myxine glutinosa (Cyclostomata) from the Gullmaren fiord in Sweden. Swedish J. Agricult. Res. 2, in press (1972).

  • Olsson, R.: The neurosecretory hypothalamus system and the adenohypophysis of Myxine. Z. Zellforsch. 51, 97–107 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelletier, G., Peillon, F., Vila-Porcile, E.: An ultrastructural study of the site of granule extrusion in the anterior pituitary of the rat. Z. Zellforsch. 115, 501–507 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Polenov, A. L., Garlov, P. E.: The hypothalamo-hypophysial system in Acipenseridae. I. Ultrastructural organization of large neurosecretory terminals (Herring bodies) and axoventricular contacts. Z. Zellforsch. 116, 349–374 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pooley, A. S.: Ultrastructure and size of rat anterior pituitary secretory granules. Endocrinology 88, 400–411 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rambourg, A.: Morphological and histochemical aspects of glycoproteins at the surface of animal cells. Int. Rev. Cytol. 31, 57–114 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, E. S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–212 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabatini, D. D., Bensch, K., Barrnett, R. J.: Cytochemistry and enzymatic activity by aldehyde fixation. J. Cell Biol. 17, 19–58 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Salazar, H.: The pars distalis of the female rabbit hypophysis: An electron microscopy study. Anat. Rec. 147, 469–498 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreibman, M. P.: Hypophysial cysts in a teleost fish. J. exp. Zool. 162, 57–68 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sedar, A. W.: Fine structure of the stimulated oxyntic cell. Federation Proc. 24, 1360–1367 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stempak, J. G., Ward, R. T.: An improved staining method for electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 22, 697–701 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stockard, C. R.: The development of the thyroid gland in Bdellostoma stouti. Anat. Anz. 29, 91–99 (1906).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, N. W., Östberg, Y.: Possible uptake of material from the follicular cavities in the pancreatic islets of Myxine glutinosa. Acta zool. (Stockh.) 53, 41–44 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallis, M.: Structural relationships among growth hormones and prolactins. Biochem. J. 125, 54p (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Walvig, F.: The gonads and the formation of sexual cells. In: The biology of Myxine. Eds.: Brodal, A., Fänge, R., p. 530–580. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wischnitzer, S.: The annulate lamellae. Int. Rev. Cytol. 27, 65–100 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, R. L., Luft, J. H.: The influence of buffer systems on fixation with osmium tetroxide. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 12, 22–45 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamashita, K.: Fine structure of the mouse anterior pituitary maintained in a short-term incubation system. Z. Zellforsch. 124, 465–478 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Stockholm, Sweden

    Bo Fernholm

Authors
  1. Bo Fernholm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This work was supported by the Swedish Natural Science Research Council (grant 2124), the University of Stockholm (Fonden för främjande av ograduerade forskares vetenskapliga verksamhet), Hierta Retzius stipendiefond and The Royal Swedish Academy of Science (Théel's and Ahlstrand's donation).

I am indebted to Dr. R. Olsson for valuable discussions during this investigation; to Dr. Nancy Henderson, University of Calgary, for critically reading the manuscript, to Dr. Bertil Swedmark, Kristinebergs Zoologiska Station, for the provision of material and to Miss W. Carlsson and Miss Y. Lilliemarck for excellent technical assistance.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Fernholm, B. The ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of Myxine glutinosa . Z.Zellforsch 132, 451–472 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306636

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306636

Key words

Search

Navigation