Glandular Body Research Articles

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Dehydroepiandrosterone Inhibits Inflammation-Induced Uterine Aging in Mice.

With the postponement of the reproductive age of women, the difficulty of embryo implantation caused by uterine aging has become a key factor restricting fertility. However, there are few studies on protective interventions for naturally aging uteri. Although many factors cause uterine aging, such as oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and fibrosis, their impact on uterine function manifests as reduced endometrial receptivity. This study aimed to use a combination of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to delay uterine aging. The results showed that the combined treatment of hUC-MSCs + DHEA increased the number of uterine glandular bodies and the thickness of the endometrium while inhibiting the senescence of endometrial epithelial cells. This combined treatment alleviates the expression of OS (reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, and GSH-PX) and proinflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1, IL6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the uterus, delaying the aging process. The combined treatment of hUC-MSCs + DHEA alleviated the abnormal hormone response of the endometrium, inhibited excessive accumulation and fibrosis of uterine collagen, and upregulated uterine estrogen and progesterone receptors through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study suggests that uterine aging can be delayed through hUC-MSCs + DHEA combination therapy, providing a new treatment method for uterine aging.

Biometric and ultrasonographic evaluation on mammary gland of goat

Gross and ultrasonographic studies were conducted on the mammary gland of goat (n=18 for each study) during pre-pubertal, lactating and non-lactating stages. Mammary gland was located into the inguinal region and divided into two halves by mammary groove which was prominent during lactation stage. Each halve had separate glandular body and conical teat divisible into tip, mid and base regions. The mammary gland contained numerous lactiferous ducts which opened into the gland sinus that continued distally as teat sinus and teat canal. The gland sinus and teat sinus were separated from each other by annular folds, which were more prominent in lactating animals. At the junction of teat sinus and teat canal, small mucosal elevation was observed as Furstenberg’s rosette. Teat wall was lined by skin, teat internal mucosal layer and teat sinus from outside to inside. Ultrasonographic observations showed that the lactating mammary gland contained an echogenic structure of variable size indicating gland sinus, lactiferous ducts, blood vessels, glandular parenchyma, while the homogenous echogenic component depicting more connective tissue stroma in non-lactating and pre-pubertal goat. The teat wall was made up of innermost hyperechogenic layer (teat mucosa), middle hypoechogenic (fibromuscular) layer and mild hyperechogenic teat skin. Teat sinus was anechogenic, however teat canal was demarcated by hyperechogenic streak. Biometrical and ultrasonographic observations were recorded on teat canal length, maximum diameter of teat, maximum teat wall thickness. Present study showed that there was no significant difference in biometric and ultrasonographic measurements of goat teat. Therefore, it may be concluded that the gross and ultrasonographic observations may be used to diagnose any abnormality in the udder during clinical examination.

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Prostate Gland: A Review and Update

It has been documented that the 2016 World Health Organization’s histological classification of prostate cancer has included well-differentiated carcinoid tumours and small- or large-cell poorly differentiated tumours within the category of neuroendocrine tumours. Up to May 2021, only 20 cases of large-cell neuroendocrine tumours of the prostate gland (LCNTPs) had been reported within the literature, among which are nine cases of primary tumours. LCNTPs are a rare histological entity whose evolutive profile and therapeutic potential do differ from those of conventional adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland. Primary neuroendocrine tumours of the prostate gland could be pure or associated with an adenocarcinoma component. Mixed forms of large cell neuroendocrine cancers of the prostate gland (LCNECPs) tend to associated with better prognosis when diagnosed early at a localized stage. Nevertheless, most cases of (LCNTPs) at the time of initial diagnosis could tend to be advanced, locally advanced or metastatic. Even though LCNECPs that are diagnosed initially tend to primary prostate cancers that may be pure primary prostate cancers, few large LCNECPs have been found to be metastatic large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas that had metastasised from other sites of the body for example the lung. Primary LCNECP does tend to manifest similarly to primary adenocarcinoma of prostate gland with lower urinary tract symptoms, haematuria, or signs of obstruction of the upper urinary tract or inability to empty the urinary bladder. Cases of primary LCNECP that manifest tend also to be associated with symptoms related to the sites of the metastases. Serum prostate specific antigen levels tend to be slightly elevated with cases of primary LCNECP, but the levels generally tend not to be as high as most cases of advanced, locally advanced or metastatic primary adenocarcinomas of the prostate gland. Diagnosis of LCNECPs tend to be made pursuant to the undertaking of histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining studies of specimens of the prostate that had been obtained from prostate biopsies, trans-urethral reception of prostate specimens or prostatectomy specimens. The microscopy histopathology examination features of LCNECP the prostate gland have been summarized as follows: (a) Microscopy histopathology examination of LCNECP gland does tend to demonstrate large islands or sheets of tumour cells. (b) Large tumour cells with prominent neuroendocrine features such as salt and pepper chromatin and small nucleoli tend to be visualised upon microscopy examination of specimens of the prostate tumour. (c) High grade features such as lack of glandular formation, frequent mitoses and apoptotic bodies and tumour necrosis tend to be frequent findings upon microscopy examination of specimens of LCNECP. Immunohistochemistry staining features of LCNECP include: (a) At least one of the ensuing neuroendocrine tumour markers should be demonstrated upon immunohistochemistry staining including exhibition of positive immunohistochemistry staining for: chromogranin A, synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase, and CD56 may be positive: It has been stated that immunohistochemistry staining studies may exhibit positive staining in cases of LCNECP with utilization of the following: o TTFI tends to be positive in less than 50% of cases of LCNECP. o Positive AMACR immunohistochemistry staining, but this may be focal or weaker than for adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland. o Positive markers including: PSA, PSMA, NKX3.1 prostein (P501S) tend to be negative in majority of cases of LCNECP, but they could be focally positive in a small subset of the tumours. It has been iterated that in cases of LCNECP, immunohistochemistry staining studies tend to demonstrate negative staining for the ensuing markers: • Urothelial markers such as GATA3, p63, and high molecular weight cytokeratins such as CK5 / 6. • CD99. • Carcinoid tumour of the prostate gland. • PNET/Ewing sarcoma of the prostate gland. • Adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland with focal neuroendocrine differentiation. • Urothelial carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. A high index of suspicion is required in order to diagnose early cases of primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas by undertaking early biopsies of prostate glands in all patients who have significant lower urinary tract symptoms if their serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are slightly high or high even if they are commenced on Tamsulosin in an attempt to help improve the symptoms of voiding. There is no consensus opinion on the best management of LCNECP, therefore, there is an urgent need for the establishment of a global multi-centre trial related to various management options for the disease in order to ascertain the best options of management for LCNECP. gland.

Measurement of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in vitro

OBJECTIVE To measure the weight and volume of normal submandibular gland by in vitro detection of glandular body, to compare with the measurement values of CT volume rendering to evaluate the consistency of the two methods, and to explore the related factors affecting the weight and volume of the submandibular gland. METHODS The patients who underwent neck dissection due to oral cancer and were confirmed with normal submandibular gland by postoperative histopathology in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from May 2019 to January 2020 were collected in this study and divi-ded into 4 groups according to the age standards raised by the Society of Geriatrics Chinese Medical Association and WHO (2000) age standards. The submandibular gland was carefully dissected along with the capsule immediately after neck dissection. The weight and volume of submandibular gland were accurately measured by an integrated aseptic measuring device. The volume of submandibular gland was measured by CT volume rendering before operation and the consistency of the two methods was evaluated. The 95% confidence interval of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in the different groups of Chinese people, which were divided by gender and age, were calculated, and the correlation with age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and other factors was analyzed. RESULTS The weight and vo-lume of submandibular gland were measured in 220 subjects. The average weight and volume of submandibular gland were (11.69±2.45) g and (11.55±2.41) cm3 respectively. The volume of submandibular gland measured by CT volume rendering ranged from 70% to 82% of that measured by in vitro detection of glandular body, and the correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.976 (P 0.05). The weight and volume of submandibular gland had a strong positive correlation with body height (P 0.05). The female's weight and volume of submandibular gland in the young elderly and elderly groups were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The normal reference range of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in vitro were established in different age and gender groups of Chinese people. The volume of submandibular gland mea-sured by CT volume rendering was 70%-82% of that measured by in vitro detection of glandular body. The results of the two methods had a high degree of consistency. The weight and volume of submandibular gland were related to age, gender, body height and body weight.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of two species of Aporcella Andrássy, 2002 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Aporcelaimidae) from Iran, with new insights into the phylogeny of the genus

Summary Two species, one new and another known, of Aporcella, isolated from the rhizosphere of fruit trees in East Azarbaijan, Iran, are described, including morphological data and D2-D3 rDNA LSU sequences. Aporcella malekimilanii sp. n. is characterised by its 1.9-2.7 mm long body, lateral chord bearing glandular bodies, lip region offset by weak constriction and 14-17 μm broad, odontostyle 13-15 μm long with aperture occupying 60% of its length, neck 476-619 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 58-63% of total neck length, uterus simple and 91-100 μm long, V = 55-61, tail conical (44-56 μm, c = 41-58, c′ = 1.2-1.7) with finely rounded tip and a short terminal hyaline portion, and male unknown. New data are provided for A. vitrinus, whose Iranian material fits very well the known populations of the species. Molecular analyses reveal close evolutionary relationships of the two species with other representatives of the genus, supporting its monophyly, and confirm that they belong to a major clade with non-aporcelaimid taxa, the relationship with discolaims deserving further attention in the future.

Morphology of Duvernoy's Glands and Maxillary Teeth and a Possible Function of the Duvernoy's Gland Secretion inHelicops modestusGünther, 1861 (Serpentes: Xenodontinae)

Abstract. We investigated the gross anatomy, histology and ultrastructure of Duvernoy's glands and scanning electron microscopy of maxillary teeth of Helicops modestus, as well as its prey-handling behavior in laboratory. We later compared this histology with other species of Hydropsini. Duvernoy's glands are located in the post-ocular region, immediately behind the supralabial gland. Each gland is connected to a pair of ungrooved rear fangs by a vestibule from which the secretion is drained. Histological analysis showed that the gland is wrapped by a layer of connective tissue and consists of a glandular body formed by prismatic cells organized in acini and a duct lined with columnar cells. The prismatic cells are positive to PAS and bromophenol blue, indicating glycoprotein content, whereas the columnar ductal cells are positive to PAS and alcian blue pH 2.5, indicating the presence of acid mucous. Transmission electron microscopy showed electron-dense, heterogeneous granules in the prismatic cells, whe...

Descriptions of Pelodera scrofulata sp. nov. and Pelodera aligarhensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) with supplementary information on Pelodera teres (Schneider, 1866).

Pelodera scrofulata sp. nov. is characterized by cuticle with longitudinal lines and punctations; offset lip region with separate lips, wider in females, moderately developed cheilostom, presence of glandular bodies associated with uterus, tail conoid to spicate; males with spicules fused up to 60–68% from distal end; peloderan bursa with two precloacal papillae 9–12 μm apart and seven postcloacal pairs in the configuration of 1 + 1/4 + P + 2 + 1. Pelodera aligarhensis sp. nov. is characterized by sexual dimorphism in anterior body region; cuticle often with faint longitudinal lines; slightly offset lip region; tail cupola-shaped; males with spicules fused up to 20-25% from distal end; peloderan bursa; one precloacal pair at anterior level of cloaca; two precloacals shifted posteriad to the cloacal level; seven postcloacal pairs of genital papillae in 1/2 + (2 + P) + (3 + 1) configuration. Some new information is added to the description of Pelodera teres (Schneider, 1866) with special reference to labial structure.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:91E78F4F-08F2-45DE-B6A6-91F4E42011FF

Endocrine cells in human fetal corpus of stomach: appearance, distribution, and density

Since reports on endocrine cells and their kinetics in the corpus of the human stomach are limited, the aim of this study was to examine the appearance, localization, density, and the relationship among the endocrine cell types in the corpus of the human stomach during prenatal and early postnatal development. We examined chromogranin A, somatostatin, ghrelin, glucagon, and serotonin expression by immunohistochemistry in 2 embryos, 38 fetuses, and 3 infants in the corpus of human stomach. ChromograninA secreting endocrine cells were identified in the corpus at week 10 of gestation. Somatostatin cells were present from the 10th week, ghrelin and serotonin cells from the 11th week, and glucagon cells from the 12th week of gestation. Endocrine cells were present individually or clustered within the glandular base and body during the first trimester, and were present separately within the basal and central parts of glands during the second and third trimesters. Somatostatin cells were the most common type of cells (~46%) during the first trimester, while ghrelin cells were the most numerous during the second trimester (~34%), and in infants (~28%). The percentage of glucagon cells was significant only during the first trimester of pregnancy (5.5%), and the percentage of serotonin cells was only significant just before birth (4.8%). These results show, for the first time, that the largest number of endocrine cells are present in the corpus during the first trimester of prenatal development. Also, these results suggest that secretory products of endocrine cells play a role in the regulation of homeostasis, growth, and differentiation, and in human stomach function.

Gut Peculiarities of Feed Deprived White Sturgeons (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acipenser transmontanus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, Richardson 1836)

In the White sturgeon fish farms, some individuals have difficulty in getting access to food: such sturgeons are called "runts", and they result in a slower growth rate than normally feeding fish. In this paper, we have studied the gut peculiarities of runt sturgeons. Utilizing in paralleling an analysis of diatom populations in both the fish gut tissues and the rearing tank waters, we hypothesized a causative relation between the occurrence of runt sturgeons and periodic diatom blooms. In fact, we have observed that the diatom species identified in the aquatic environment were also detected in organs (Fragilaria spp and Rhoicosfenia spp for both glandular body, mid-intestine) of the runt sturgeon's gut, but not in tissues of normally feeding individuals. Owing to their siliceous wall, diatoms can be responsible for areas of epithetlial detachment in the mucosal surfaces of the alimentary canal and a catharral inflammation in both the gastric pits and intestinal folds which may be the cause of secondary bacterial diseases. We suggest that diatom blooms may contribute to the occurrence of runt sturgeons in the studied Italian fish farm.

Anatomy and Histology of Rodent and Human Major Salivary Glands—Overview of the Japan Salivary Gland Society-Sponsored Workshop—

Major salivary glands of both humans and rodents consist of three pairs of macroscopic glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. These glands secrete serous, mucous or mixed saliva via the proper main excretory ducts connecting the glandular bodies with the oral cavity. A series of discoveries about the salivary ducts in the 17th century by Niels Stensen (1638–1686), Thomas Wharton (1614–1673), and Caspar Bartholin (1655–1738) established the concept of exocrine secretion as well as salivary glands. Recent investigations have revealed the endocrine functions of parotin and a variety of cell growth factors produced by salivary glands.The present review aims to describe macroscopic findings on the major salivary glands of rodents and the microscopic differences between those of humans and rodents, which review should be of interest to those researchers studying salivary glands.

唾液腺 —臨床と研究のための解剖学—

Major salivary glands, parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, secrete serous and mucous saliva via the proper excretory ducts connecting between oral cavity and glandular bodies. Discovery of the salivary ducts in 17th century established the concept of exocrine secretion as well as salivary glands. In more recent investigations have revealed the endocrine functions of salivary glands by a variety of cell growth factors produced by granular ducts. In the present review describes the macroscopic findings of human major salivary glands and the microscopic differences of human and rodent salivary glands.

The birth of endocrine pathology

The structure that would later be called the parathyroid gland was first observed around 1850, the second half of the nineteenth century in which so many new discoveries in anatomy and histology were made [1]. The first description of “a small compact yellow glandular body” [3] was followed 30 years later by the notion that removal of this structure might be responsible for acute tetany occurring after thyroidectomy. This was the period during which detailed anatomical and histological observations led to increased understanding of bodily functions in health and disease, including that of the parathyroids [2]. The pathologist Jacob Erdheim (1874–1937) built on these new discoveries in elucidating through clinical observations as well as experimental studies how parathyroids play a role in calcium metabolism and how their dysfunction leads to serious bone pathology. The story illustrates that scientific discovery is not a linear process: Erdheims understanding of parathyroid function was hampered through his misinterpretation of some of his observations.

Identification of ghrelin in the house musk shrew ( Suncus murinus): cDNA cloning, peptide purification and tissue distribution

Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, and the sequence of ghrelin has been determined in many species from fish to mammals. In the present study, to reveal the production of ghrelin in the house musk shrew ( Suncus murinus, order: Insectivora, suncus is used as a laboratory name), we determined the cDNA sequence and structure of suncus ghrelin and also demonstrated the ghrelin-producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Results of cDNA cloning and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that suncus ghrelin is composed of 18 or 26 amino acid residues and that the 3rd Ser was acylated mainly by n-octanoic acid. The 10 amino acids of the N-terminal region of suncus mature ghrelin were consistent with those of other mammals. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that suncus ghrelin mRNA is highly expressed in the gastric corpus and pyloric antrum, and low expression levels were found in various tissues, including the intestinal tract. Ghrelin cells were found only in the corpus and antrum by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and most of the ghrelin cells were closed-type cells with relatively rich cytoplasm and scattered in the glandular body and base of the gastric mucosa. The density of ghrelin cells in the corpus was significantly greater than that in the antrum. The results of this study together with our recent results regarding motilin production in the suncus indicate that the suncus will be a useful model animal for study of physiological function of the motilin/ghrelin family.

Lectin UEA-I-Binding Proteins Are Specifically Increased in the Squamous Epithelium of Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

Background: Chronic gastritis and esophagitis are associated with changes in mucosal glycosylation patterns. Lectins represent a group of specific carbohydrate binding proteins that can be used as sensitive tools for the analysis of glycosylation patterns. Aim: To investigate the binding patterns of lectins Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) at the gastroesophageal junction in nonerosive (NERD), erosive reflux disease (ERD) and Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients (female n = 53; male n = 69; controls n = 28; NERD n = 36; ERD n = 24 and BE n = 34) were included in this study. The binding patterns of lectins were examined immunohistochemically at the squamocolumnar junction, in squamous epithelium and columnar-lined epithelium. Staining patterns of lectins were semiquantitatively evaluated using an immunohistochemical score and the data were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results: BE, as compared to the controls, was associated with specific lectin-binding patterns: lectin binding of UEA-I and DBA were significantly decreased at the superficial (p = 0.012; p = 0.00036, respectively) and at the deep glandular body (p = 0.045; p = 0.055, respectively). Comparisons of lectin-staining scores between GERD and BE revealed significant increases of UEA-I in both the stratum superficiale (p = 0.0155) and stratum spinosum (p = 0.0048) of SE in patients with BE. Notable, this change was specific for patients with BE, while no difference was observed between patients with GERD and controls. Conclusion: We found two major types of lectin-binding patterns. First, lectin-binding characteristics associated with GERD in general, and second, lectin-binding patterns which were specific for BE. Lectin UEA-I-binding proteins were specifically increased in the squamous epithelium of patients with BE. Thus, UEA-I may serve as a potential marker for BE, especially in patients with short segment BE.

Diverse cellular localizations of secretory phospholipase A 2 enzymes in several human tissues

The secretory phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2) family in mammals contains more than 10 enzymes. In this study, we examined by immunohistochemistry the localization of six sPLA 2s (IIA, IID, IIE, IIF, V and X) in human heart, kidney, liver and stomach. In normal hearts, sPLA 2-IIA was detected in coronary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and sPLA 2-V in cardiomyocytes beneath the endocardium. In infarcted hearts, expression of these two enzymes was markedly increased in damaged cardiomyocytes, and expression of sPLA 2-IID and-IIE, which was undetectable in normal hearts, was elevated in damaged cardiomyocytes and VSMC, respectively. In infarcted kidneys, sPLA 2-IIA and-V were markedly induced in the uriniferous tubular epithelium. In livers affected by viral hepatitis, sPLA 2-IIA and-V were expressed in hepatocytes with fatty degeneration. In the gastric glands exhibiting intestinal metaplasia, sPLA 2-IIA was localized in the glandular base, sPLA 2-IID and-V in the glandular body epithelium, sPLA 2-IIE and-IIF in goblet cells in the foveolar epithelium, and sPLA 2-X in both glandular body epithelial cells and foveolar epithelial goblet cells. In the gastric submucosal tissues, sPLA 2-IIA and-IIE were located in VSMC and sPLA 2-V was in the interstitial fibroblasts. In addition, sPLA 2-IIA,-IIE,-IIF and-X were highly expressed in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. Thus, individual sPLA 2s exhibit unique cellular localizations in each tissue, suggesting their distinct roles in pathophysiology.

The glands of Owen

The glands of Owen

A Novel Solution for the Short Neourethra in Mitchell Epispadias Repair

Epispadias is a rare congenital abnormality of the genitalia that is manifested by a dorsal urethral cleft. Epispadias surgery has undergone many modifications since the initial report of Cantwell. 1 Mitchell recently developed a new technique involving complete disassembly of the corporeal glandular bodies and urethral plate.2 This approach is a significant contribution to epispadias surgery. Complete separation of the corpora cavernosa provides an effective ventral corporeal counter-rotation to correct epispadiac dorsal chordee. The technique also restores an anatomically normal glans. The only disadvantage of this approach is the occasionally encountered short urethra during the repair. We describe a new method to overcome this problem during Mitchell epispadias repair.

Free-living nematodes from nature reserves in Costa Rica. 3. Araeolaimida

AbstractSeven species of Araeolaimida were found in soil, moss and freshwater habitats of tropical forests in Costa Rica. Three are described as new. Anonchus pulcher n. sp. is characterised by slender body, lip region demarcated by a depression, presence of ca 45- 60 sublateral glands on each side of the body and monoprodelphic female genital apparatus. Paraplectonema americanum n. sp. lacks somatic setae, the stoma is 3.0-3.4 lip region diameter long, the female rectum measures 26 μm, the male tail 137-153 μm, presence of ten to 11 male supplements, spicula 28-30 μm long, gubernaculum of complicated shape with a caudal apophysis. Chronogaster costaricae n. sp. is characterised by absence of longitudinal incisures, rows of spines, crystalloids and vacuolated glandular bodies, terminus with open mucro with one or two basal spines. The species redescribed, either briefly for well known, or more extensively for less well known, species are: Plectus patagonicus de Man, 1904; P.indicus Khera, 1972; Chronogaster serrulata Loof, 1973 and C. cameroonensis Heyns &amp; Coomans, 1984.

Photodiagnostik der weiblichen Brustdrüse anhand chaostheoretischer Berechnung rückgestreuter Photonen

Das Thema dieser Untersuchung ist der klinische Einsatz der Photodiagnose nach R. Jindra, einer neuartigen photophysikalischen Untersuchungsmethode der weiblichen Brust. Licht (670 nm, 0,8 mW) wird von einem Laser in Gewebe eingebracht. Das vom Gewebe rückgestreute Licht wird in ein elektrisches Signal gewandelt, verstärkt, und als Kurve am Oszilloskop angezeigt. Die fraktale Dimension (FD) der Kurve, die den Stoffwechsel des untersuchten Gewebes anzeigt, wird mit einer speziell entwickelten Software berechnet. Rückschlüsse über die Gewebsstruktur sind damit möglich.

A Taxonomic Study of Enchytraeus japonensis (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta): Morphological and Biochemical Comparisons with E. bigeminus

Abstract Enchytraeus japonensis, a terrestrial enchytraeid, reproduces asexually by fragmentation and subsequent regeneration. Because of its extreme ability to regenerate, the species has recently been proposed as a new experimental material for regeneration study, and a method has been developed for inducing sexual reproduction in the laboratory. The inducibility of sexual reproduction allowed us to perform, for the first time, a taxonomical analysis of E. japonensis based on the morphology of the genital organs, and to compare it with the morphology of the highly similar E. bigeminus, another fragmenting enchytraeid. Comparisons between the two species were also made for general protein patterns and isozyme patterns of seven enzymes using PAGE-IEF. The morphological investigation revealed that the two species are discriminable by only one character; glandular bodies associated with the male copulatory organs that are present in E. bigeminus but absent in E. japonensis. In contrast to this morphological...