Summary
An electron microscopic study of the desmosomes of Pelmatohydra oligactis and the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) demonstrates that these two species of invertebrates have two different kinds of desmosomes. The term “septate desmosome” is applicable only in the case of the Pelmatohydra desmosomes, while a new term, “comb desmosome” (Danilova, 1968a, b), is suggested for the insect type. Differences in the structure of these two desmosome varieties can be detected only in tangential sections.
In Pelmatohydra, two patterns of septate desmosomes are to be observed in ultrathin sections, yet this difference is due to different directions of the section planes. A scheme to show the structure of the septate desmosome of Pelmatohydra and that of the comb desmosome of insects is presented, as are some variant structures of these desmosomes in sections made in various directions. Globular subunits 30–40 Å in diameter have been detected in the hydroid septa.
Fixation with potassium permanganate has failed to reveal any desmosome septa or combs. This observation supports the opinion that septate and comb desmosomes are of non-membranous nature.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Balinsky, B. J.: An electron microscopic investigation of the mechanism of adhesion of the cells in a sea urchin blastula and gastrula. Exp. Cell Res. 16, 429–433 (1959).
Bargmann, W., M. v. Harnack u. K. Jacob: Über den Feinbau des Nervensystems des Seesternes (Asterias rubens L.). Z. Zellforsch. 56, 573–594 (1962).
Brightman, M. W., and J. L. Palay: The fine structure of ependyma in the brain of the rat. J. Cell Biol. 19, 415–439 (1963).
Bullivant, S., and W. R. Loewenstein: Structure of coupled and uncoupled cell junctions. J. Cell Biol. 37, 621–632 (1968).
Coggeshall, R. E.: A fine structural analysis of the epidermis of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L. J. Cell Biol. 28, 95–108 (1966).
Danilova, L. V.: On the structure of intercellular bridges. Electron microscopy. 4th Europ. Reg. Confer. Rome, 2, 269–270 (1968a).
—: Electron microscopic investigation of intercellular junction. Usp. sovrem. Biol. 66, N 3 (6), 352–364 (1968b) [Russ.].
—, and S. N. Selezneva: Two types of structure of septate desmosomes. Cytologia 9, 595–597 (1967) [Russ.].
Farquhar, M. G., and G. E. Palade: Cell junctions in amphibian skin. J. Cell Biol. 26, 263–291 (1965).
Grimstone, A. V., R. W. Horne, C. F. Pantin, and E. A. Robson: The fine structure of the mesenteries of the sea-anemone Metridium senile. Quart. J. micr. Sci. 99, 523–540 (1958).
Hama, K.: Some observations on the fine structure of the giant nerve fibers of the earthworm, Eisenia foetida. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 6, 61–66 (1959).
Kelly, D. E., and J. H. Luft: Fine structure, development, and classification of desmosomes and related attachment mechanism. In: Electron microscopy. 6th Intern. Congr. Electr. Microsc. Tokyo 2, 401–402 (1966).
Lentz, T. L., and R. J. Barrnett: Surface specializations of Hydra cells: the effect of enzyme inhibitors on ferritin uptake. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 13, 192–211 (1965).
Locke, M. J.: The structure of septate desmosomes. J. Cell Biol. 25, 166–169 (1965).
Loewenstein, W. R., and J. Kanno: Studies on an epithelial (gland) cell junction. I. Modifications of surface membrane permeability. J. Cell Biol. 22, 565–586 (1964).
Luft, J. H.: Permanganate — a new fixative for electron microscopy. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 2, 799–801 (1956).
McAlear, J. H.: The question of the organization of substances on cellular membranes. Ann. Histochem., Suppl. 2, 261–267 (1962).
Overton, J.: Intercellular connections in the outgrowing stolon of Cordylophora. J. Cell Biol. 17, 661–671 (1963).
Ovtracht, L.: Etude comparée des jonctions cellulaires dans des épithélium d'invertébrés. Electron microscopy, 4th Europ. Reg. Confer. Rome 2, 267–268 (1968).
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).
Sjöstrand, F. S., E. Andersson-Cedergren, and M. Dewey: The ultrastructure of the intercalated discs of frog, mouse and guinea pig cardiac muscle. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 1, 271–287 (1958).
—, and L. G. Elfvin: The layered asymmetric structure of the plasma membrane in the exocrine pancreas cells of the cat. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 7, 504–534 (1962).
Stoeckenius, W.: Some electron microscopical observations on liquid-crystalline phases in lipid-water systems. J. Cell Biol. 12, 221–229 (1962).
Trujillo-Cenoz, O.: Some aspects of the structural organization of intermediate retina of Dipterans. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 13, 1–33 (1965).
Wiener, J., D. Spiro, and W. R. Loewenstein: Studies on an epithelial (gland) cell junction. 2. Surface structure. J. Cell Biol. 22, 587–598 (1964).
Wood, R. L.: Intercellular attachment in the epithelium of Hydra as revealed by electron microscopy. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 6, 343–351 (1959).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Danilova, L.V., Rokhlenko, K.D. & Bodryagina, A.V. Electron microscopic study on the structure of septate and comb desmosomes. Z. Zellforsch. 100, 101–117 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00343824
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00343824