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Gill structure and neurochemical markers in the African bonytongue (Heterotis niloticus): a preliminary study

Abstract: We have conducted a morphological and immunohistochemical study of the gills of juvenile specimens of the obligate air-breathing fish Heterotis niloticus. The study has been performed under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The gills showed a reduced respiratory surface area by development of an interlamellar cellular mass (ILCM). The ILCM persisted without changes under both normoxia and hypoxia. Neuroepithelial cells (NECs), the major oxygen and hypoxia sensing cell type, were located in the distal end of the gill filaments and along the ILCM edges. These cells expressed 5HT, the neuronal isoform of the nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Furthermore, NECs appeared associated with nitrergic nerve fibres. The O2 levels did not modify the location, number or the immunohistochemical characteristics of NECs. Pavement cells covering the ILCM were also positive to nNOS and VAChT. The mechanisms of O2 sensing in the gills of Heterotis appears to involve several cell populations, the release of multiple neurotransmitters and a diversity of excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory mechanisms.

 Fuente: Acta Histochemica, 2022, 124(7),151954

 Publisher: Elsevier

 Year of publication: 2022

 No. of pages: 9

 Publication type: Article

 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151954

 ISSN: 0065-1281,1618-0372

 Publication Url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151954

Authorship

ZACCONE, GIACOMO

CAPILLO, GIOELE

ARAGONA, MARIALUISA

ALESCI, ALESSIO

CUPELLO, CAMILA

LAURIANO, EUGENIA RITA

GUERRERA, MARIA CRISTINA

KUCIEL, MICHAL

ZUWALA, KRISTINA

GERMANA, ANTONINO

JOSE MANUEL ICARDO DE LA ESCALERA