Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The ultrastructure of the integument of the American eel, Anguilla rostrata

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

Summary

The morphology and ultrastructure of the lateral body integument of the leptocephalus, glass eel, pigmented elver, and adult stages of the American eel, Anguilla rostrata, were examined with light and electron microscopy. The integument consists of an epidermis separated by a basal lamina from the underlying dermis. Three cell types are present in the epidermis in all stages. Filament-containing cells, which are the principal structural cell type, are increasingly numerous at each stage. Mucous cells, which secrete the mucous that compose the mucous surface coat, are also more numerous in each subsequent stage and are more numerous in the anterior lateral body epidermis than in the posterior lateral body epidermis of the adult. Club cells, whose function is unknown, are most numerous in the glass eel and pigmented elver. Chloride cells are common in the leptocephalus which is marine and infrequent in the glass eel. They are not present in the pigmented elver and adult which inhabit estuaries and fresh-water. Lymphocytes and melanocytes are also present in some stages. The dermis comprises two layers: a layer of collagenous lamellae, the stratum compactum, and an underlying layer of loose connective tissue, the stratum spongiosum.

There is a progressive increase in epidermal thickness at each stage which is paralleled by an increase in the thickness of the stratum compactum. Rudimentary scales are present in the dermis of the adult. The increase in the number of epidermal filament-containing cells, epidermal thickness and stratum compactum thickness is correlated with an increased need for protection from abrasion and mechanical damage as the eel moves from a pelagic, oceanic habitat to a benthic, freshwater habitat. The increase in mucous cell numbers is likewise correlated with an increased need for the protective and anti-bacterial action of the mucous surface coat in the freshwater environment.

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

  • Bereiter-Hahn, J.: Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Funktion von Tonofilamenten in den Epidermiszellen von Fischen. Cytobiologie 4, 73–102 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Berlin, L.: Eels, a biological study. London: Cleaver-Hume 1956

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, G.A., Wellings, S.R.: Collagen formation and calcification in teleost scales. Z. Zellforsch. 93, 571–582 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, G.A., Wellings, S.R.: Electron microscopy of the skin of the teleost, Hippoglossoides elassodon. Z. Zellforsch. 103, 149–169 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, G.B., Dawson, A.B.: Fine structure of the larval anuran epidermis with special reference to the figures of Eberth. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 10, 425–435 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Conte, F.P.: Salt secretion. In: Fish physiology. Vol. 1 (Hoar, W.S. and Randall, D.J., eds.), pp. 241–292. New York: Academic Press 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Downing, S.W., Novales, R.R.: The fine structure of lamprey epidermis, I. Introduction and mucous cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 35, 282–294 (1971a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Downing, S.W., Novales, R.R.: The fine structure of lamprey epidermis, II. Club cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 35, 295–303 (1971b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Downing, S.W., Novales, R.R.: The fine structure of lamprey epidermis. III. Granular cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 35, 304–313 (1971c)

    Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, M.G., Palade, G.E.: Cell junctions in amphibian skin. J. Cell Biol. 26, 263–291 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fishelson, L.: Histology and ultrastructure of the skin of Lepadichthys lineatus (Gobiesocidae: Teleostei). Marine Biol. 17, 357–364 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fishelson, L.: Observations on skin structure and sloughing in the stone fish Synanceja verrucosa and related fish species as a functional adaptation to their mode of life. Z. Zellforsch. 140, 497–508 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaxman, B.A.: Cell differentiation and its control in the vertebrate epidermis. Amer. Zool. 12, 13–26 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, P.T., Grant, J.C.: Immuno-globulins in the serum and mucus of the plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Biochem. J. 115, 65 p. (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujii, R.: Fine structure of the collagenous lamellae underlying the epidermis of the goby, Chasmichthys gulosus. Annot. Zool. Jap. 41, 95–106 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujii, R.: Chromatophores and pigments. In: Fish physiology, Vol. III (Hoar, W.S. and Randall, D.J., eds.), pp. 307–354. New York: Academic Press 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadley, M.E.: Functional significance of vertebrate integumental pigmentation. Amer. Zool. 12, 63–76 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Harden Jones, F.R.: Fish migration. London: Edward Arnold Ltd. 1968

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, J.E., Hunt, S.: The fine structure of the epidermis of two species of salmonid fish, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and the brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) II. Mucous cells. Cell Tiss. Res. 163, 535–543 (1975b)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkes, J.W.: The structure of fish skin, II. The chromatophore unit. Cell Tiss. Res. 149, 159–172 (1974b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Henrikson, R.C.: Incorporation of tritiated thymidine by teleost epidermal cells. Experientia 23, 357–358 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Henrikson, R.C., Matoltsy, A.G.: The fine structure of teleost epidermis. II. Mucous cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 21, 213–221 (1968b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Henrikson, R.C., Matoltsy, A.G.: The fine structure of teleost epidermis. III. Club cells and other cell types. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 21, 222–232 (1968c)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hrbáček, J.: On the flight reaction of tadpoles of the common toad caused by chemical substances. Exper. 6, 100–101 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jimbo, J., Shibukawa, K., Kobayashi, K., Soda, K., Kimura, K.: Electron microscopic observation on epidermis of teleost, Salmo irideus. Bull. Yamaguchi med. School 10, 49–52 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, D.E.: Fine structure of desmosomes, hemidesmosomes, and an adepidermal globular layer in developing newt epidermis. J. Cell Biol. 28, 51–72 (1966a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, D.E.: The Leydig cell in larval amphibian epidermis fine structure and function. Anat. Rec. 154, 685–700 (1966b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Keys, A.: Chloride and water secretion and absorption by the gills of the eel. Z. vergl. Physiol. 15, 364–388 (1931)

    Google Scholar 

  • Keys, A.: The mechanism of adaptation to varying salinity in the common eel and the general problem of osmotic regulation in fishes. Proc. roy. Soc. B 112, 184–199 (1933)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kitzan, M.S., Sweeny, P.R.: A light and electron microscope study of the structure of Protopterus annectens epidermis. I. Mucus production. Canad. J. Zool. 46, 767–772 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liem, K.F.: Functional morphology of the integumentary, respiratory, and digestive systems of the synbranchoid fish, Monopterus albus. Copeia 1967, 375–388 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Merrilees, M.J.: Epidermal fine structure of the teleost Esox americanus (Esocidae, salmoniformes). J. Ultrastruct. Res. 47, 272–283 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mittal, A.K., Munshi, J.S.: Structure of the integument of a freshwater teleost, Bagarius bagarius (Ham.) (Sisoridae, Pisces). J. Morph. 130, 3–10 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mittal, A.K., Munshi, J.S.: A comparative study of the structure of the skin of certain air-breathing freshwater teleosts. J. Zool. (Lond.) 163, 515–532 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadol, J.B., Gibbins, J.R., Porter, K.R.: A reinterpretation of the structure and development of the basement lamella: an ordered array of collagen in fish skin. Develop. Biol. 20, 304–331 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, K.R., Fromm, P.O.: A scanning electron microscopic study of secondary lamellae and chloride cells of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Z. Zellforsch. 143, 439–449 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oosten, J. van: The skin and scales. In: The physiology of fishes (ed. M.E. Brown), Vol. I., pp. 207–244. New York: Academic Press 1958

    Google Scholar 

  • Parakkal, P.F., Alexander, N.J.: Keratinization: a survey of vertebrate epithelia. New York and London: Academic Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearse, A.G.E.: Histochemistry, theoretical and applied. Boston: Little, Brown and Co. 1960

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfeiffer, W.: Alarm substances. Experientia 19, 113–168 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfeiffer, W., Pletcher, F.F.: Club cells and granular cells in the skin of lamprey. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 21, 1083–1088 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, A.D.: The distribution of mucous cells in the epidermis of the brown trout Salmo trutta (L.) and the char Salvelinus alpinus (L.). J. Fish. Biol. 6, 111–118 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Quay, W.B.: Integument and the environment: Glandular composition, function, and evolution. Amer. Zool. 12, 95–108 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • 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)

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, K.C., Jarett, L., Finke, E.H.: Embedding in epoxy resins for ultrathin sectioning in electron microscopy. Stain Technol. 35, 313–323 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R.J., Shearer, W.M., Elson, K.G.R., Munro, A.L.S.: Studies on ulcerative dermal necrosis of salmonids. I. The skin of the normal salmon head. J. Fish. Biol. 2, 223–229 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R.J., Young, H., Milne, J.A.: Studies on the skin of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa, L.). I. The structure and ultrastructure of normal plaice skin. J. Fish. Biol. 4, 87–98 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, M.W., Cornford, N.E.: Fluid friction of fish slimes. Nature (Lond.) 234, 49–51 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, J.: The breeding places of the eel. Phil. Trans. B. 211, 179–208 (1922)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, J.: Breeding places and migrations of the eel. Nature (Lond.) 111, 51–54 (1923)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoklosowa, S.: Sexual dimorphism in the skin of the seatrout Salmo trutta. Copeia 1966, 613–614 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, D.W.: A new solution to the Atlantic eel problem. Nature (Lond.) 183, 495–501 (1959)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vladykov, V.D.: Quest for the true breeding area of the American eel (Anguilla rostrata LeSueur). J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 21, 1523–1530 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitear, M.: The skin surface of bony fish. J. Zool. (Lond.) 160, 437–454 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitear, M.: The free nerve endings in fish epidermis. J. Zool. (Lond.) 163, 231–236 (1971a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitear, M.: Cell specialization and sensory function in fish epidermis. J. Zool. (Lond.) 163, 237–264 (1971b)

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA

    J. B. Leonard & R. G. Summers

Authors
  1. J. B. Leonard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. G. Summers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This investigation was supported by NIH research grant NS-11276 from National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke to Dr. J.D. McCleave and by N.S.F. Grant GD 38933 to the Bermuda Biological Station, St. Georges West, Bermuda. Bermuda Biological Station Contribution No. 668

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Leonard, J.B., Summers, R.G. The ultrastructure of the integument of the American eel, Anguilla rostrata . Cell Tissue Res. 171, 1–30 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219697

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219697

Key words

Search

Navigation