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Ultrastructure and distribution of superficial neuromasts of blind cavefish,Phreatichthys andruzzii,juveniles
Authors:Bahram S Dezfuli  Sara Magosso  Edi Simoni  Kathleen Hills  Roberto Berti
Affiliation:1. Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy;2. Lucidus Consultancy, Backhill of Smiddyburn, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB51 8UY;3. Department of Animal Biology & Genetics, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy
Abstract:Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) were used to study the ultrastructure of superficial neuromasts in 15 six-month old blind cavefish juveniles, Phreatichthys andruzzii (Cyprinidae). In five specimens examined with SEM, the number of superficial neuromasts over the fish body (480–538) was recorded. They were localized mainly on the head (362–410), including the dorsal surface, the mentomandibular region, and laterally from the mouth to the posterior edge of the operculum. Neuromasts were also present laterally on the trunk and near the caudal fin (116–140). A significantly higher number of neuromasts were present on the head compared to the trunk (t-test, P < 0.05). Superficial neuromasts of the head and those along the trunk were similar in ultrastructure. Each neuromast comprised sensory hair cells surrounded by nonsensory support cells (mantle cells and supporting basal cells) with the whole covered by a cupula. Each hair cell was pear-shaped, 15–21 μm high and 4–6 μm in diameter, with a single long kinocilium and several short stereocilia. Most support cells were elongated, with nuclei occupying a large portion of the cytoplasm. In the margin of the neuromast, mantle cells were particularly narrow. Both types of support cells had well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The number of hair cells and nonsensory support cells of the anterior lateral line (head) did not differ significantly from those of the posterior lateral line (trunk) (t-test, P > 0.05). Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Keywords:lateral line  eyeless fish  hair cells  transmission and scanning electron microscopy
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