Cytochemistry and morphology of granulocytes of the caecilian Siphonops annulatus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona)

Abstract

The caecilians (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) constitute one of the least known groups of terrestrial vertebrates because most species live underground in quite inaccessible environments. Siphonops annulatus is an exclusively fossorial species and is the most extensively distributed caecilian in South America. Little is known of this order concerning circulating granulocytes, including their morphological and cytochemical structure and ultrastructure. This paper is part of a project covering the study of granulocytes in representative species of the order Amphibia. Blood extensions were carried out and submitted to Leishman, Toluidine Blue, Periodic acid Schiff, Sirius Red and hydrogen o-toluidine peroxide methods. Part of the samples was prepared for conventional transmission electron microscopy. Among granular leukocytes, mature and immature neutrophils and eosinophils were identified, plus basophils. The most frequent granulocyte encountered in S. annulatus peripheral blood is the neutrophil. This is a cell with a hyper-segmented nucleus and with a very clear cytoplasm when compared to the eosinophil, which presents large cytoplasmic acidophilic granules. On the other hand, the basophils present basophilic and metachromatic granules. Glycogen was detected in the cytoplasm of the neutrophils and eosinophils, while basic protein rich in amino acids was observed in the eosinophil’s granules. Myeloperoxidase activity was detected in the cytoplasm of the neutrophils and eosinophils. Neutrophils were ultrastructurally detected with three types of small granules: eosinophils with large and small spherical granules and basophils with large spherical granules with lamellate structures.