Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of zinc on epidermal ultrastructure in the larva of Clupea harengus

  • Published:
Marine Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In March, 1983 changes in epidermal ultrastructure were examined in Clupea harengus L. larvae hatched from eggs incubated in four zinc concentrations (0.5 2.0, 6.0 and 12.0 ppm). In addition to the outer and inner epidermal cell types described previously, a third type of cell is present. Ultrastructurally this resembles the epidermal “chloride cells” of Sardinops caerulea Girard, characterised by numerous mitochondria, extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a free surface exposed to the environment. These cells occur on the yolk sac, head and in the regions of the trunk just above the yolk sac. In larvae treated in 12.0 ppm zinc, the cells contain fewer mitochondria with fewer cristae than those in the controls. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is much reduced forming nodular masses and contains granular osmiophilic inclusions. In larvae hatching from eggs previously incubated in 6.0 and 12.0 ppm zinc, the epidermal cells contain more vesicles, intracellular spaces, and swollen mitochondria and show signs of necrosis. The viability of these larvae is discussed.

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

Literature cited

  • Alderdice, D. F. and F. P. J. Velsen: Effects of short-term storage of gametes on fertilization of Pacific herring eggs. Helgol. wiss. Meeresunters. 31, 485–498 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, J. T. P.: Histological and electron microscopical observation on copper poisoning in the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 26, 2785–2793 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bereiter-Hahn, J., M. Osborn, K. Weber and M. Voth: Filament organization and formation of microridges at the surface of fish epidermis. J. ultrastruc. Res. 69, 316–330 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaxter, J. H. S. and F. G. T. Holliday: The behaviour and physiology of herring and other clupeids. Adv. mar. Biol. 1, 261–393 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Case, R. M.: The sublittoral ecology of the Daucleddau estuary. Ph.D. thesis, University of Wales 1981

  • Crandall, C. A. and C. J. Goodnight: The effects of sublethal concentrations of several toxicants to the common guppy, Lebistes reticulatus. Trans. Am. micros. Soc. 82, 59–73 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Depeche, J.: Ultrastructure of the yolk sac and pericardial sac surface in the embryo of the teleost Pocilia reticulata. Z. Zellforsch. 141, 235–253 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobbs, G. H.: Scanning electron microscopy of intra ovarian of the viviparous teleost, Micrometrus minimum (Gibson), (Perciformes: Embiotocidae). J. Fish Biol. 7, 209–214 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. and G. R. Gardner: Anti toxicity of dissolved metalic salts to Polycelis nigra (Moller) and Gammarus pulex (L). Br. J. exp. Biol. 14, 351–363 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hickey, G. M.: Wound healing in fish larvae. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 57, 149–168 (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiltibran, R. C.: Effects of cadmium, zinc, manganese and calcium on oxygen and phosphate metabolism of bluegill liver mitochondria. J. Water Poll. Control Fed. 43, 818–823 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holliday, F. G. T. and M. P. Jones: Osmotic regulation in the embryo of the herring (Clupea harengus). J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 45, 305–311 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, G. M. and D. E. Wright: A comparative study of the ultrastructure of the water-blood pathway in the secondary lamellae of teleost and elasmobranch fishes—benthic forms. Z. Zellforsch. 104, 478–493 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, C. R. and P. L. Nayudu: Surface folds in superficial epidemal cells of three species of teleost fish. J. Fish Biol. 12, 163–166 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, M. P., F. G. T. Holliday and A. E. G. Dunn: The ultrastructure of the epidermis of larvae of the herring (Clupea horengus) in relation to the rearing salinity. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 46, 235–239 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lanzing, W. J. R. and D. R. Higginbotham: Scanning microscopy of surface structures of Tilapia mossambica (Peters) scales. J. Fish Biol. 6, 307–310 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lasker, R. and L. T. Threadgold “Chloride cells” in the skin of the larval sardine. Exp. Cell Res. 52, 582–590 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd, R.: The toxicity of zinc sulphate to rainbow trout. Ann. Appl. Biol. 48, 84–94 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattey, D. L., M. Morgan and D. E. Wright: A scanning electron microscope study of the pseudobranchs of two marine teleosts. J. Fish Biol. 18, 331–343 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Connell, C. P.: Development of organ systems in the northern anchovy Engraulis mordax and other teleosts. Am Zool. 21, 429–446 (1981)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R. J., M. Bell and H. Young: Studies on the skin of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) II. The development of larval plaice skin. J. Fish Biol. 5, 103–108 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, H. and K. R. Sperling: Effects of cadmium on development and survival of herring eggs. In: The early life history of fish, pp 383–396. Ed. by J. H. S. Blaxter. Berlin: Springer 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirai, N. and S. Utida: Development and degeneration of the chloride cell during seawater and freshwater adaptation of the Japanese eel. Anguilla japonica. Z. Zellforsch. 103, 247–264 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Somasundaram, B., P. E. King and S. E. Shackley: The effect of zinc on postfertilization development in eggs of Clupea harengus L. Aquat. Toxicol. 5, 167–168 (1984a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Somasundaram, B., P. E. King and S. E. Shackley: Some morphological effects of zinc upon the yolk sac larvae of Clupea harengus L. J. Fish Biol. 25, 333–343 (1984b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Somasundaram, B., P. E. King and S. E. Shackley: The effect of zinc on the ultrastructure of the trunk muscle of the larva of Clupea harengus L. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 79C, 311–315 (1984c)

    Google Scholar 

  • Somasundaram, B., P. E. King and S. E. Shackley: The effect of zinc on the ultrastructure of the brain cells of the larva of Clupea harengus L. Aquat. Toxicol. 5, 323–330 (1984d)

    Google Scholar 

  • Threadgold, L. T. and A. H. Houston: An electron microscope study of the “chloride cell” of Salmo salar L. Exp. Cell Res. 34, 1–23 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vickers, J.: A study of the so-called “chloride secretory” cells of the gills of teleosts. Q. J. microsc. Sci. 104, 507–518 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Weibel, E. R., G. S. Kistler and W. F. Scherle: Practical sterological methods for morphometric cytology. J. Cell Biol. 30, 23–38 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada, J.: A study on the structure of surface cell layers in the epidermis of some teleost. Annot. zool. Jpn. 41, 1–8 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, D. T. and M. J. Phillips: Hepatic ultrastructural changes in acute fructose overload. J. ultrastruc. Res. 36, 222–236 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University College Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, South Wales, UK

    B. Somasundaram

Authors
  1. B. Somasundaram
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldenforf/Luhe

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Somasundaram, B. Effects of zinc on epidermal ultrastructure in the larva of Clupea harengus . Mar. Biol. 85, 199–207 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397438

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397438

Keywords

Search

Navigation