Observations on the ultimobranchial body inRana pipiens

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Abstract
The ultimobranchial body was investigated in 63 specimens ofRana pipiens.The morphology is described for “typical” (unifollicular) glands and those found in animals in poor physiological (“stressed”) condition. The typical follicular epithelium is of a mixed pseudostratified type and includes “elongate” cells which extend from the basement membrane to the free surface. These contain elongated nuclei, prominent terminal lipid droplets and “deltoid bodies” which are triangular, homogeneously staining structures apical or basal to the nucleus. “Isometric” cells do not extend to the basement membrane. They posses intensely staining nuclei, few lipid droplets and no deltoid bodies. The stressed gland is multifollicular and degenerate. Mitochondria, lipid droplets, deltoid bodies and glycogen have been identified and are located in specific areas of the follicular cells. The secretory products within the lumina of the glands have tentatively been shown to contain acid mucopolysaccharides, carbohydrate‐protein complexes, mucoproteins, lipid droplets and lipid complexes. These secretions may either represent possible precursors to future secretions or a retention of secretions produced during metamorphosis. The ultimobranchial body has shown no indication of degeneration in the adult.The ultimobranchial body in typicalRanais an active secretory gland which shows no indication of degeneration in normal adult anurans. Furthermore, it responds to fluctuations in environmental conditions as illustrated by its altered structure and varied types of secretion when stressed.