Network and lamellar structures in the tail muscle fibers of the metamorphosing anuran tadpole.

Abstract

Networks of regularly arranged tubular units and lamellar structures were observed in the degenerating tail muscle fibers of spontaneously metamorphosing anuran tadpoles. These networks appeared to be similar to those previously found in the skeletal muscle of other animals under abnormal conditions. They stained clearly with ruthenium red (RR) and a continuity with the transverse tubular system (T tubules) of triads was clearly observed. The diameter of the tubular unit, 20-25 nm, was almost equal to that of the T tubules of the intact tail muscle fibers, indicating the network structures were probably formed by T tubules connecting together. In the early stages of metamorphosis, networks in the tetragonal configuration were observed within the end region of the muscle fibers. At the climax of metamorphosis, well-developed networks in which the tubular units were arranged in a hexagonal pattern were seen in various regions of the fibers. Other observed lamellar structures may originate from lateral elements of the triads. The formation of the network structure is discussed.