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New aspects on the 'rodlet cell' in teleosts
Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Rodlet cells in fish, previously thought to be parasitic or secretory, contain inclusions with polysaccharide outer zones and a core suggesting genetic material. Further analysis indicates a potential parasitic origin for these enigmatic cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Ichthyology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Rodlet cells in teleosts have been ambiguously classified as parasitic stages or secretory cells.
- Previous interpretations lacked definitive ultrastructural and histochemical evidence.
- Understanding rodlet cell nature is crucial for fish health and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the ultrastructural and histochemical characteristics of rodlet cells.
- To determine the origin and function of rodlet cell inclusions (rodlets).
- To re-evaluate the classification of rodlet cells in teleost fish.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was employed to examine rodlet cell ultrastructure.
- Histochemical techniques, including silver proteinate, silver methenamine, Feulgen, HOECHST 33258, and enzyme digestions (DNAse, RNAse), were utilized.
- Tissue reactions, such as phagocytosis and cell isolation, were observed.
Main Results:
- Rodlets possess an outer zone rich in neutral polysaccharides/glycoproteins and a core with characteristics suggesting genetic material (DNA).
- Histochemical tests indicated the presence of DNA in the core, despite a negative Feulgen reaction.
- Observed tissue reactions, including macrophage phagocytosis and cell isolation, support an exogenous parasitic nature.
Conclusions:
- Rodlet cells exhibit features suggesting an exogenous parasitic origin, challenging previous secretory cell interpretations.
- The core of the rodlets likely contains DNA, while the outer layer is composed of secreted polysaccharides.
- Further research is needed for precise classification of rodlet cells and their inclusions.