Title: On the cytology and cytochemistry of the opossum's bronchial glands
Abstract: Abstract The numerous compound acinar, mixed, bronchial glands of the opossum's lungs collectively provide a large surface for secretion. The secretory materials are made by two types of cells located in the acini and smaller ducts. Mucus is produced by mucous cells that are similar to those found elsewhere. A fluid of unknown composition appears to be secreted by hydrotic cells. The acini are encircled by myoepithelium and the larger ducts are lined by morphologically unspecialized cells. The hydrotic cell, a type of “special serous cell,” is cytologically the most interesting of the elements present. It is not appreciably basophilic and lacks secretion granules, but it is rich in glycogen and contains many mitochondria with high succinoxidase activity. The basal surface is divided into irregular compartments by grooves, some of which are occupied by processes from stellate myoepithelial cells. The apical surface is villous and extends far down the sides of the cell as intercellular canaliculi. This surface has adenosine triphosphatase activity and is contacted by the agranular reticulum and numerous small vesicles in the subjacent cytoplasm. The bronchial glands are classified in the discussion, and special features of the hydrotic cells are compared with those possessed by other types of cells that engage in ion‐segregation or ion‐secretion. The glands are thought to assist in temperature regulation.
Publication Year: 1965
Publication Date: 1965-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 28
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