Summary
The fine structure of the ultimobranchial (UB) glands of two common laboratory urodeles, viz., larval axolotls, Ambystoma mexicanum Shaw and adult Pleurodeles waltlii Micahelles, is described and compared in what is believed to be the first ultrastructural report on urodele UB glands. The axolotl UB gland shows a wide variety of form, being represented by an elongated diffuse series of follicles and sometimes by one or two large discrete terminal follicular bodies. In these axolotl UB glands up to four cell categories are distinguishable including a tonofilamentous cell and a secretory cell that is possibly homologous with calcitonin-producing C cells of anurans or other vertebrates. These two cell categories are also found in the Pleurodeles gland. The possible significance of the various cells is considered.
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We are indebted to the Central Research Fund of London University and the Science Research Council for awards making this research possible. We would also like to thank Dr. Eyal of the Dept. of Zoology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem for the gift of the Pleurodeles and Mr. Raynor L. Jones for his excellent technical assistance.
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Coleman, R., Phillips, A.D. Ultimobranchial gland ultrastructure of larval axolotls, Ambystoma mexicanum shaw, with some observations on the newt, Pleurodeles waltlii Micahelles. Z.Zellforsch 134, 183–192 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307152
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307152