Fine structure of the rectal (salt‐secreting) gland of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias

• Published in: The Anatomical Record
• Main Author: Bulger, Ruth E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1963
• Subjects: spiny dogfish; Squalus acanthias
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091470108; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Far.1091470108; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ar.1091470108

Abstract The rectal gland of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias has been described by light and electron microscopy. The cell outline shows remarkable complexity in electron micrographs. The basal plasma membrane has numerous complex infoldings and interdigitations separated by groups of mitochondria. The lateral plasma membrane also shows extensive interdigitation. The apical region demonstrates profiles of interleafing cell processes with much membrane interdigitation occurring between them but containing few mitochondria. The apical surface has microvilli which extend into the tubular lumen and are covered with nap‐like filaments. Glands of some fish were catheterized and attempts were made to correlate the fine structure of these glands with the known secretory rates. The cellular morphology of the secretory cells of the rectal gland correlates well with that seen in other ion‐transporting tissues, although some unique specializations were noted.