ISSN:
0362-2525
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The gross and microscopic anatomy of the venom producing parotoid glands of Bufo marinus has been studied by light and electron microscopy and reactions for the presence of glycoprotein and mucopolysaccharides, the catechollamines, 5-hydroxytryptamine or dopamine, glucose-6-phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and the steroid nucleus and cholesterol and its esters have been performed. The gland is composed of numerous individual lobules, each lobule surrounded by a double cell layer. The interior surface of the outer layer is thrown into small cytoplasmic projections which traverse an intercellular space and interdigitate with microvilli formed by the outer plasmalemma of the inner layer. The outer layer resembles smooth muscle-like cells, is rich in adenosine triphosphatase, contains many pinocytotic vesicles and various organelles and may function in some aspect of venom synthesis, active cellular transport and contraction in the discharge of the secretory product. The inner layer shows a positive chromaffin reaction, contains various organelles, appears devoid of a plasmalemma on its inner surface and is involved in venom formation and release via an apocrine type of secretion. The intercellular space is rich in PAS positive materials, while the secretory product, itself, demonstrates a positive chromaffin reaction. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1051420208
