Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ultrastructural studies on the epithelia of the olfactory organ of cyprinodonts (teleostei, cyprinodontoidea)

  • Published:
Cell and Tissue Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The epithelia of the olfactory organ of two cyprinodontoid fish species were studied both by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The relatively flat floor of the organ is covered by sensory and nonsensory epithelia. The latter is distributed in the form of bands or ridges separating distinct areas of sensory epithelium. Differences between the olfactory organs of the two species investigated related only to the topography and quantitative distribution of the epithelia. Their ultrastructural features are very similar. The nonsensory stratified squamous epithelium contains numerous goblet cells and surface cells provided with microridges. A hypothetical function of the microridges is discussed. The sensory epithelium consists mainly of basal, supporting, and two types of sensory cells, i.e., ciliated and microvillous receptor cells. The cilia exhibit a predominant 9+0 microtubule pattern. Both epithelia are covered by a mucus layer in which all surface structures seem to be embedded. The possible nature, origin, and movement mechanisms of the mucus are 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

References

  • Andres, K.H.: Differenzierung und Regeneration von Sinneszellen in der Regio olfactoria. Naturwissenschaften 17, 500 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Andres, K.H.: Der Feinbau der Regio olfactoria von Makrosmatikern. Z. Zellforsch. 69, 140–154 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Andres, K.H.: Der olfaktorische Saum der Katze. Z. Zellforsch. 96, 250–274 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Andres, K.H.: Neue morphologische Grundlagen zur Physiologie des Riechens und Schmeckens. Arch. Oto-Rhino-Laryng. 210, 1–41 (Kongreßbericht 1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bannister, L.H.: The fine structure of the olfactory surface of teleostean fishes. Quart. J. micr. Sci. 106, 333–342 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Barber, D.L., Westermann, J.E.M.: “Rodlet cells” in Catostomus conimsonnii (Teleostei: Pisces): Secretory cell or parasite? Experientia (Basel) 31, 924–925 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertmar, G.: Scanning electron microscopy of olfactory rosette in sea trout. Z. Zellforsch. 128, 336–346 (1972a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertmar, G.: Ecostructural studies on olfactory organ in young and adult sea trout (Osteichthyes, Salmonidae). Z. Morph. Tiere 72, 307–330 (1972b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertmar, G.: Ultrastructure of the olfactory mucosa in the homing baltic sea trout Salmo trutta trutta. Mar. Biol. 19, 74–88 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Breipohl, W.: Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Befunde zur Struktur der Bowmanschen Drüsen im Riechepithel der weißen Maus. Z. Zellforsch. 131, 329–346 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Breipohl, W., Bijvank, G.J., Zippel, H.P.: Rastermikroskopische Untersuchungen der olfaktorischen Rezeptoren im Riechepithel des Goldfisches (Carassius aurants). Z. Zellforsch. 138, 439–454 (1973a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Breipohl, W., Bijvank, G.J., Zippel, H.P.: Die Oberflächenstruktur der olfaktorischen Drüsen des Goldfisches (Carassius auratus). Eine rastermikroskopische Studie. Z. Zellforsch. 140, 567–582 (1973b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, A., Marlow, D., Garner, G.: A rapid critical point method using fluorocarbon (“fréons”) as intermediate and transitional fluids. J. Microscop. 7, 331–342 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Drenckhahn, D.: Untersuchungen an Regio olfactoria und Nervus olfactorius der Silbermöve (Lams argentatus). Z. Zellforsch. 106. 119–142 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, M.G., Palade, G.E.: Junctional complexes in various epithelia. J. Cell Biol. 17, 375–412 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Flood, M.T., Nigrelli, R.F., Gennaro, J.F., Jr.: Some aspects of the ultrastructure of the “Stäbchendrüsenzellen”, a peculiar cell associated with the endothelium of the bulbus arteriosus and with other fish tissues. J. Fish Biol. 7, 129–138 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fromme, H.G., Pfautsch, M., Pfefferkorn, G., Bystricky, V.: Die “Kritische Punkt”-Trocknung als Präparationsmethode für die Rasterelektronenmikroskopie. Microscopica Acta 73, 29–37 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gemne, G., Døving, K.B.: Ultrastructural properties of primary olfactory neurons in fish (Lota lota L.). Amer. J. Anat. 126, 457–476 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Graziadei, P.P.C.: The mucous membranes of the nose. Ann. Otol. (St. Louis) 69, 433–442 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Graziadei, P.P.C.: The olfactory mucosa of vertebrates. In: Handbook of sensory physiology (L.M. Beidler, ed.), Vol. IV (1), pp. 29–58. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Graziadei, P.P.C.: Cell dynamics in the olfactory mucosae. Tissue & Cell 5, 113–131 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Graziadei, P.P.C., Bannister, L.H.: Some observations on the fine structure of the olfactory epithelium in the domestic duck. Z. Zellforsch. 80, 220–228 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Graziadei, P.P.C., Metcalf, J.F.: Autoradiographic and ultrastructural observations on the frog's olfactory mucosa. Z. Zellforsch. 116, 305–318 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, J.E., Hunt, S.: The fine structure of the epidermis of salmonid fish, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and the brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). 1. General organization and filament-containing cells. Cell Tiss. Res. 157, 553–565 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkes, J.W.: The structure of fish skin. I. General Organization. Cell Tiss. Res. 149, 147–158 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herberhold, C.: Vergleichende histochemische Untersuchungen am peripheren Riechorgan von Säugetieren und Fischen. Arch. klin. exp. Ohr.-, Nas.- u. Kehlk.-Heilk. 190, 166–182 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herberhold, C.: Morphological findings in peripheral olfactory organs of chondrichthians and their translation into the building of a so-called artificial nose. Int. Rhinol. 7, 46–52 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Henrikson, R.C., Matoltsy, A.G.: The fine structure of teleost epidermis. I. Introduction and filament-containing cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 21, 194–212 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilding, A.: The physiology of drainage of nasal mucus. I. The flow of the mucus currents through the drainage system of the nasal mucosa and its relation to ciliary activity. Arch. Otolaryng 15, 92–100 (1932)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holl, A.: Feinstruktur des Riechepithels von Chimaera monstrosa (Holocephali). Mar. Biol. 23, 59–72 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holstein, A.F., Wulfhekel, U.: Die Semidünnschnitt-Technik als Grundlage für eine cytologische Beurteilung der Spermatogenese des Menschen. Andrologie 3, 65–69 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleerekoper, H.: Olfaction in fishes. Bloomington: Indiana University Press 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Lanzing, W.J.R., Wright, R.G.: The ultrastructure of the skin of Tilapia mossambica (Peters). Cell Tiss. Res. 154, 251–264 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Leino, R.L.: Ultrastructure of immature, developing, and secretory rodlet cells in fish. Cell Tiss. Res. 155, 367–381 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ling, E.A., Tan, C.K.: Fine structure of the gastric epithelium of the coral fish, Chelmon rostratus Cuvier. Okajimas Folia anat. jap. 51, 285–310 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowe, G.A., MacLeod, N.K.: The ultrastructural organization of olfactory epithelium of two species of gadoid fish. J. Fish Biol. 7, 529–532 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Matulionis, D.H.: Ultrastructural study of mouse olfactory epithelium following destruction by ZnSO4 and its subsequent regeneration. Amer. J. Anat. 142, 67–90 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, V., Prutkin, L.: An ultrastructural study of the oral mucous membrane of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Acta anat. (Basel) 89, 89–99 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moulton, D.G.: Dynamics of cell population in the olfactory epithelium. In: Odors: evaluation, utilization, and control. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 237, 52–61 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moulton, D.G., Beidler, L.M.: Structure and function in the peripheral olfactory system. Physiol. Rev. 47, 1–52 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pyatkina, G.A.: Electron microscopic studies on the olfactory organ in sturgeons. Zh. Evol. Biokhim. Fiziol. 10, 314–315 (1974) (in Russian with an English summary)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reese, T.S.: Olfactory cilia in the frog. J. Cell Biol. 25, 209–230 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reutter, K., Breipohl, W., Bijvank, G.J.: Taste bud types in fishes. II. Scanning electron microscopical investigations on Xiphophorus helleri Heckel (Poeciliidae, Cyprinodontiformes, Teleostei). Cell Tiss. Res. 153, 151–165 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, D.E.: The relationships and taxonomic position of the halfbeaks, killifishes, silversides, and their relatives. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 127, 217–268 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Satir, P.: Structure and function in cilia and flagella. In: Protoplasmatologia (A. Alfert, H. Bauer, C.V. Harding, P. Sitte, eds.), Vol. III/E, pp. 1–52. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Schliwa, M.: Cytoarchitecture of surface layer cells of the teleost epidermis. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 52, 377–386 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulte, E.: Untersuchungen an der Regio olfactoria des Aals, Anguilla anguilla L. I. Feinstruktur des Riechepithels. Z. Zellforsch. 125, 210–228 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulte, E., Holl, A.: Feinstruktur des Riechepithels von Calamoichthys calabaricus J.A. Smith (Pisces, Brachiopterygii). Z. Zellforsch. 120, 261–279 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulte, E., Holl, A.: Feinbau der Kopftentakel und ihrer Sinnesorgane bei Blennius tentacularis (Pisces, Blenniiformes). Mar. Biol. 12, 67–80 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulte, E., Holl, A., Meinel, W.: Feinstruktur des Trichterepithels von Rhinomuraena ambonensis (Teleostei, Anguilliformes). Mar. Biol. 11, 61–76 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Seifert, K.: Die Feinstruktur des Riechsaumes. Arch. klin. exp. Ohr.-, Nas.- u. Kehlk.-Heilk. 192, 182–213 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Seifert, K.: Die Ultrastruktur des Riechepithels beim Makrosmatiker. In: Normale und Pathologische Anatomie (W. Bargmann, W. Doerr, Hrsg.), Vol. 21. Stuttgart: Thieme 1970

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinbrecht, R.H.: Comparative morphology of olfactory receptors. In: Olfaction and taste (C. Pfaffmann, ed.), Vol. III, pp. 3–21. New York City: Rockefeller University Press 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Takagi, S.F.: Degeneration and regeneration of the olfactory epithelium. In: Handbook of sensory physiology (L.M. Beidler, ed.), Vol. IV (1), pp. 75–94. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Theisen, B.: Ultrastructure of the olfactory epithelium in the Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri. Acta zool. (Stockh.) 53, 205–218 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Theisen, B.: The olfactory system in the hagfish Myxine glutinosa. I. Fine structure of the apical part of the olfactory epithelium. Acta zool. (Stockh.) 54, 271–284 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thornhill, R.A.: The ultrastructure of the accessory olfactory organ in the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis). Acta zool. (Stockh.) 53, 49–56 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Trujillo-Cenóz, O.: Electron microscope observations on chemo- and mechano-receptor cells of fishes. Z. Zellforsch. 54, 654–676 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, J.A.F., Westerman, R.A.: The fine structure of the olfactory mucosa and nerve in the teleost Carassius carassius L. Z. Zellforsch. 83, 196–206 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeiske, E.: Morphologische Untersuchungen am Geruchsorgan von Zahnkarpfen (Pisces, Cyprinodontoidea). Z. Morph. Tiere 74, 1–16 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeiske, E.: Morphologische und morphometrische Untersuchungen am Geruchsorgan oviparer Zahnkarpfen (Pisces). Z. Morph. Tiere 77, 19–50 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoologisches Institut und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Germany

    Eckart Zeiske & Reinhard Melinkat

  2. Abteilung für Mikroskopische Anatomie, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Haide Breucker

  3. Institut für Schiffbau, Universität Hamburg, Germany

    Jürgen Kux

Authors
  1. Eckart Zeiske
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Reinhard Melinkat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Haide Breucker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jürgen Kux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Dedicated to Prof. Dr. med. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday

This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zeiske, E., Melinkat, R., Breucker, H. et al. Ultrastructural studies on the epithelia of the olfactory organ of cyprinodonts (teleostei, cyprinodontoidea). Cell Tissue Res. 172, 245–267 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226030

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226030

Key words

Search

Navigation