Summary
The fine structure of ultimobranchial (UB) gland cells from Rana temporaria larvae 48 h after hatching until the completion of metamorphosis is described. A single UB cell type is present, believed to be the characteristic C cell, in which secretory granules are first detectable in 8 day post-hatching larvae. These secretory granules show an intimate association with lipid droplets. Unusual membranous and crystalloid inclusions, which may represent yolk platelets, are found in UB glands of very small larvae. The significance of a range of UB organelles is discussed and some scanning electron micrographs presented. This report is believed to be the first published ultrastructural and scanning electron microscope study of larval anuran UB glands.
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We are indebted to the Science Research Council for an award making this research possible. We would also like to thank, Mr. R. L. Jones, Mr. Z. Podhorodecki and Miss V. Cooper for technical assistance.
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Coleman, R., Phillips, A.D. The development and fine structure of the ultimobranchial glands in larval Rana temporaria L.. Cell Tissue Res. 148, 69–82 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224319
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224319