Abstract
ABSTRACT Histology and electron microscopic studies of the dorsal skin of the Fringe-toed lizard, Acanthodactylus orientalis Angel, 1936, showed three types of dermal chromatophores: xanthophores, iridophores and melanophores. These pigment cells were observed in vertical combination, with an uppermost layer of xanthophores, an intermediate layer of iridophores and a basal layer of melanophores. The ultrastructure of the melanophore is characterized by oval nucleus and numerous pigment granules, the melanosomes of different stages that remain scattered in the cytoplasm. The chromatophores of this species contain significant information of anatomical similarity with lower as well as higher vertebrates. They can help to better understand the inter relationships between vertebrate pigment cells and their role in skin dysfunctions.
Highlights
The stratifying, multilayered epidermis that forms the outermost layer of the skin of all vertebrates is a barrier protecting the body from abrasion, dehydration and microbial infections (Alibardi and Toni 2006, Alibardi 2006, Koster and Roop 2007, Proksch et al 2008, Lillywhite et al 2009)
The epidermal layer consisted of the outer epidermal generation and the stratum germinativum, in cross sections of the dorsal skin when observed under the light microscope (Fig. 1)
The dermal layer seen beneath the epidermis contains chromatophores and the bony osteoderm filled with collagen fibers
Summary
The stratifying, multilayered epidermis that forms the outermost layer of the skin of all vertebrates is a barrier protecting the body from abrasion, dehydration and microbial infections (Alibardi and Toni 2006, Alibardi 2006, Koster and Roop 2007, Proksch et al 2008, Lillywhite et al 2009). The epidermis of lepidosaurians (lizards, snakes, and sphenodontids) is of particular complexity and interest (Hildebrand and Goslow 2001). It has very colorful scales and is organized in an attractive pattern with hard (beta) and soft (alpha) layers (Chang et al 2009). In the dermal skin of reptiles four basic types of pigment cells have been recognized: xanthophores, erythrophores, iridophores, and melanophores (Cooper and Greenberg 1992, Bagnara 1998, Kuriyama et al 2006). Melanophores are light-absorbing pigment cells that absorb light to produce black or brown colors
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