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The terminal bar in the larval midgut epithelium ofAeshna cyanea

Fine structure and effects of calcium and lanthanum

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Summary

Thin section and freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that the terminal bars of the larval midgut epithelium ofAeshna cyanea consisted of extended smooth septate junctions (SSJ), multiple adhesive junctions and rare gap junctions. Freeze-fractures of native tissue suggested that the septal building units were anchored only in the external membrane leaflet by partially integrated proteins while the interseptal pegs were anchored partly in both leaflets by completely integrated proteins and partly by presumed peripheral proteins.

Reversible depletion of the physiological Ca++ concentration had no apparent structural effect on the SSJ of the terminal bars, but led to a reversible formation of junctional septa between the foot processes concomitant with a rearrangement of IMPs in the basolateral plasma membranes. The basolateral SSJ assembly and disassembly induced by reversible Ca++ deprivation was interpreted as exaggerated response of an intrinsic capability normally related to the apical growth of regenerative cells and to the extrusion of degenerating cells. Lanthanum tracer ingested with hyperosmotic drinking solution was always found excluded from the basolateral intercellular spaces underneath the terminal bar, but there was a dual effect on the SSJ structure. Part of the junctions remained structurally intact, part was dissociated in the apical portion and invaded by tracer.

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Abbreviations

EF:

exoplasmic fracture face

EGTA:

ethylenglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid

IMP:

intramembrane particle

PAS:

periodic acid Schiff reagent

PF:

protoplasmic fracture face

PSJ:

pleated septate junction

SDS:

sodium dodecyl sulphate

SSJ:

smooth septate junction

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Cytology, University of Bonn, Ulrich-Haberland-Strasse 61a, D-5300, Bonn 1, Germany

    J. Kukulies & H. Komnick

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  1. J. Kukulies
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  2. H. Komnick
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Dedicated to Prof. Dr. E.Scholtyseck in honour of his 65th birthday.

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Kukulies, J., Komnick, H. The terminal bar in the larval midgut epithelium ofAeshna cyanea . Protoplasma 121, 214–227 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282315

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