Fine structure of regenerating scales and their associated cells in the cichlid Hemichromis bimaculatus (Gill)

Abstract

Scale regeneration has been studied in Hemichromis bimaculatus. The removed scale, which serves as a control, is covered by its surrounding scleroblasts as can be seen with scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, during regeneration, a population of scleroblasts arises in the empty dermal pocket as shown with transmission electron microscopy. At first, an elongated papilla of regeneration forms, probably from the differentiation of dermal fibroblasts. A scale anlage composed of the osseous layer appears in the middle of the papilla, which becomes a regenerating bag. All the surrounding large scleroblasts are involved in scale formation, although later three populations of scleroblasts specialize according to their location around the scale. Superficial scleroblasts flatten when the final thickness of the osseous layer of the scale is attained; the deep scleroblasts are responsible for the formation of the basal plate whereas marginal scleroblasts increase the diameter of the osseous layer of the scale.