Abstract
The epidermis of Ostariophysi fish is composed of 4 main cell types: epidermal cells (or filament containing cells), mucous cells, granular cells and club cells. The morphological analysis of the epidermis of the catfish Pimelodella lateristriga revealed the presence of only two types of cells: epidermal and club cells. The latter were evident in the middle layer of the epidermis, being the largest cells within the epithelium. Few organelles were located in the perinuclear region, while the rest of the cytoplasm was filled with a non-vesicular fibrillar substance. Club cells contained two irregular nuclei with evident nucleoli and high compacted peripheral chromatin. Histochemical analysis detected prevalence of protein within the cytoplasm other than carbohydrates, which were absent. These characteristics are similar to those described to most Ostariophysi studied so far. On the other hand, the epidermal cells differ from what is found in the literature. The present study described three distinct types, as follows: superficial, abundant and dense cells. Differences among them were restricted to their cytoplasm and nucleus morphology. Mucous cells were found in all Ostariophysi studied so far, although they were absent in P. lateristriga, along with granular cells, also typical of other catfish epidermis. The preset study corroborates the observations on club cells' morphology in Siluriformes specimens, and shows important differences in epidermis composition and cell structure of P. lateristriga regarding the literature data.
Highlights
The animal epidermis is a tissue exposed on the body surface, which is in direct contact with the surrounding environment
The skin of Pimelodella lateristriga is composed of a stratified epithelium, which is supported by a thick layer of dense irregular connective tissue (38.19%) and a wide muscle tissue (32.53%) (Figure 2A, C)
The number of layers varies according to the disposal and heterogeneity of cell types, with generally two layers of club cells containing epidermal cells interspersed among them (Fig. 2B–C)
Summary
The animal epidermis is a tissue exposed on the body surface, which is in direct contact with the surrounding environment. It acts in numerous functions related to the interface organism/ environment, being involved in the protection mechanisms against physical, chemical and biological agents, such as pathogens. Mucous and granular cells are conspicuous round cells with peripheral flattened nucleus, located on the apical region of the epithelium [1]. They are important functional constituents of fish epidermis producing a glycoprotein that, when secreted, lubricates the skin and favors the animal’s motion inside water
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