Summary
The orifice between the two chambers of the gas bladder in Argentina silus is surrounded by a sphincter muscle. Gas analyses of the gas bladder contents of fish from 400 meters depth give 0–1% carbon dioxide and 9–72% oxygen. Micro-retia mirabilia form a countercurrent vascular system, and the arterial component has peripherally a sphincter mechanism. The function of the “glandular layer” of the anterior chamber remains uncertain, but the structure indicates secretion into blood capillaries. The lining epithelium of the anterior chamber may secrete some substance into blood or directly into the lumen, which may be involved in a secretory mechanism. This conclusion is not supported by our histochemical tests. The posterior chamber has no micro-retia and the blood vessels have a different origin from those of the anterior chamber. The blood vessels form a plexus of capillaries or sinuses in contact with the flat lining epithelium, thus allowing gases to pass freely by diffusion. — The muscular layers of both chambers are innervated by catecholamine-containing nerve fibres.
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The investigation was supported by grants from the Swedish Natural Research Council (No. 99-35) and by the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, University of Lund.
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Fahlén, G. The gas bladder of Argentina silus L., with special reference to the ultrastructure of the gas gland cells and the countercurrent vascular bundles. Z. Zellforsch. 110, 350–372 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321147
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321147