An ultrastructural study of the enigmatic "rodlet cells" in the white sucker, Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède) (Pisces: Catostomidae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The cytology of immature and mature stages of a peculiar and widespread cell, the "rodlet cell" is described from the epithelium of the operculum and gill raker of the white sucker, Catostomus commersoni. Immature stages were observed in the intermediate and basal zones of the epithelium. They were spherical to ovoid in shape and surrounded by a limiting membrane, beneath which were numerous microfilaments arranged in parallel. The cytoplasm of immature rodlet cells contained a prominent "active" Golgi complex, peripherally arranged mitochondria, numerous free ribosomes, and an extensive network of distended cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum. Mature rodlet cells were usually observed along the epithelial surface. These fusiform cells were surrounded by a thick wall which contained circumferentially arranged microfilaments. A nucleus, a spherical inclusion, and a Golgi complex were observed in the basal region of the cell. The cytoplasm contained many closely packed vesicles. Numerous mitochondria were aggregated in the apical region of the cell, which terminated in three or more microvillus-like processes. While the nature and function of the rodlet cells is not elucidated, it is postulated that they are not protozoan parasites.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: