Summary
Chromatophores of two color forms of the salamander, Plethodon cinereus were studied by electron microscopy. Erythrophores found in the red-backed form possess pterinosomes, some with regions of high electron density. In addition, a few melanosome-like organelles are present. On the other hand, the lead-backed form displays no visible erythrophores but instead melanophores with melanosomes being the most prevalent organelle and a few pterinosomes. The possibility that this represents a kind of hybrid chromatophore with intermediate stages in melanosome-pterinosome interconversion is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bagnara, J. T.: Hypophyseal control of guanophores in anuran larvae. J. exp. Zool. 137, 265–284 (1958).
—: Cytology and cytophysiology of non-melanophore pigment cells. Int. Rev. Cytol. 20, 173–205 (1966).
—, Taylor, J. D., Hadley, M. E.: The dermal chromatophore unit. J. Cell Biol. 38, 67–79 (1968).
Highton, R.: Revision of North American salamanders of the genus Plethodon. Bull. Florida State Museum 6, 235–367 (1962).
Humphrey, R. R., Bagnara, J. T.: A color variant in the mexican Axolotl. J. Hered. 58, 251–256 (1967).
Loud, A. V., Mishima, Y: The induction of melanization in goldfish scales with ACTH, in vitro. J. Cell Biol. 18, 181–194 (1963).
Matsumoto, J.: Studies on fine structure and cytochemical properties of erythrophores in swordtail, Xiphophorus helleri, with special reference to their pigment granules (pterinosomes). J. Cell Biol. 27, 493–504 (1965).
—, Obika, M.: Morphological and biochemical characterization of goldfish erythrophores and their pterinosomes. J. Cell. Biol. 39, 233–250 (1968).
—, Taylor, J. D.: Ultrastructure and pigmentary composition of the bright-colored integumental pigment cells of fish and amphibians. Amer. Zool. 8, 757 (1968).
Obika, M.: Association of pteridines with amphibian larval pigmentation and their biosynthesis in developing chromatophores. Develop. Biol. 6, 99–112 (1963).
—, Bagnara, J. T.: Pteridines as pigments in amphibians. Science 143, 485–487 (1964).
—, Matsumoto, J.: Morphological and biochemical studies on amphibian bright-colored pigment cells and their pterinosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 52, 646–659 (1968).
Taylor, J. D.: The effects of intermedin on the ultrastructure of amphibian iridophores. Gen. comp. Endocr. 12, 405–416 (1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This study was supported in part by GB-8347 from the National Science Foundation.
Contribution No. 255, Department of Biology, Wayne State University.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bagnara, J.T., Taylor, J.D. Differences in pigment-containing organelles between color forms of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus . Z. Zellforsch. 106, 412–417 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335782
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335782