Ultrastructure of cell types of the olfactory epithelium in a catfish, Heteropneustesfossilis (Bloch).
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Date
1997-03
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Abstract
Transmission electron microscopical study of olfactory epithelium of
a mud-dwelling catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) shows receptor, supporting,
goblet and basal cells. The receptor cells are of ciliated and microvillous type. Both
ciliated and microvillous receptor cells are provided with olfactory knob. The dendrite
of all the receptor cells bears many longitudinally arranged microtubules. Occurrence
of the rod cell and its function is quite debatable. Specialized juctional complexes
between the receptor and adjacent cells are clearly noted. The supporting cells are both
ciliated and nonciliated. The ciliated supporting cells are responsible for water
ventilation in the olfactory chamber as well as in the inter-lamellar spaces. This
facilitates better perception of odours by the receptor cells. In addition to providing
mechanical support to other cells, the nonciliated supporting cells also have a secretory
function which is evident from the present study. The different stages of maturity of
goblet cells are well documented. The presence of white cells in the olfactory
epithelium is a very rare finding.
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Keywords
Catfish, olfactory epithelium, receptor cell, rod cell, white cell
Citation
Datta N C, Bandyopadhyay Shovan K. Ultrastructure of cell types of the olfactory epithelium in a catfish, Heteropneustesfossilis (Bloch). Journal of Biosciences. 1997 Mar; 22(2): 233-245.