Ultrastructure of immature, developing, and secretory rodlet cells in fish.

Abstract

Rodlet cells from many species of fresh water fish were examined with the electron microscope. Observations of these cells in the epithelia of intestine, gill, and other organs favor the interpretation that rodlet cells are secretory cells rather than protozoan parasites (Rhabdospora thelohani). Evidence is presented that rodlet cells develop from undifferentiated cells near the epithelial basement membranes and migrate“upward” to secrete their contents in a holocrine manner at the epithelial surface. The major secretory product is packaged in unique club-shaped sacs which contain a central core of highly electron dense material with less dense material surrounding it. Secretion often appears to be accomplished by active contraction of a 0.5 μm fibrillar border resembling smooth muscle which lies just inside of the plasma membrane. Some rodlet cells, however, merely break apart and release their contents.