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The saccus dorsalis of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

Histological, cytochemical, electron microscopical and autoradiographical observations

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Summary

The saccus dorsalis of the brain of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, has been investigated by means of histological, cytochemical, enzyme-cytochemical, electron microscopical and autoradiographical techniques.

The saccus dorsalis is a rostro-dorsal evagination of the diencephalic roof, and consists of a partly folded epithelial wall separating the cerebrospinal fluid from the meningeal matrix fluid. The well-developed vascular system around the epithelial wall, consisting of capillaries with different diameters, seems to be part of the pineal vascular system. No structures were found that may be involved in a possible mechanical or nervous blood flow control.

The single-layered epithelium consists of highly specialized cells of one specific type. These cells are mainly characterized by infolded basal membranes, long microvilli of a peculiar shape, non-folded lateral membranes bordering intercellular spaces, apical concentrations of elongate and cupshaped macromitochondria, a basally located rough endoplasmic reticulum, an apically situated smooth endoplasmic reticulum and apical concentrations of micropinocytotic vesicles. Morphological evidence is presented of a multiple function of these cells: (1) fluid secretion, (2) extrusion of low molecular weight organic substances into the ventricular system, (3) uptake of high molecular weight substances, and (4) uptake of low molecular weight organic substances (aminergic neurotransmitters [GABA]) from the cerebrospinal fluid. The significance of light and dark cells is discussed. Indications of a possible innervation of the saccus dorsalis epithelial cells were not observed.

The functional significance of the saccus dorsalis (possible analogue of the choroid plexus?) is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoological Laboratory, Section Histology and Cell Biology, State University of Utrecht, Transitorium III, Padualaan, 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    W. F. Jansen, R. A. de Weger, R. A. Woutersen, H. van Loveren & J. C. van de Kamer

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  1. W. F. Jansen
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  2. R. A. de Weger
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  3. R. A. Woutersen
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  4. H. van Loveren
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  5. J. C. van de Kamer
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Dedicated to Professor W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

The authors are indebted to Dr. F.C.G. van de Veerdonk and Dr. W.F.G. Flight for critically reading the manuscript, to Miss E.G. van Donselaar, Miss A.M.A. Heussen and Mr. M.A. Zandbergen for technical assistance, and to Messrs. E. van der Vlist, M.C.A. van Pinxteren and J.J. van der Vlis for photographic assistance. Dr. L. Boomgaart was so kind to check and amend the English writing.

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Jansen, W.F., de Weger, R.A., Woutersen, R.A. et al. The saccus dorsalis of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Cell Tissue Res. 167, 467–491 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215179

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