Abstract
The gills of Oreochromis alcalicus, a hyperosmotic and low pH adapted teleost, and Oreochromis niloticus, a freshwater closely related fish have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a morphometric analysis of, particularly, the chloride cells and their primary organelles, the mitochondria and the tubulo-vesicular system carried out. Oreochromis alcalicus had a fourfold greater number of chloride cells than O. niloticus and the chloride cells had more mitochondria and a more profuse tubulo-vesicular matrix. The ultrastructural features of the chloride cells of Oreochromis alcalicus were interpreted as adaptations for the severe ecosystem that the species inhabits. Putative urea excreting cells unique to the gills of Oreochromis alcalicus are described.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 131-145 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Anatomy |
Volume | 175 |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Anatomy
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Histology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology