Immunogold-labeled S-phase neoblasts, total neoblast number, their distribution, and evidence for arrested neoblasts in Macrostomum lignano (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora).

Neoblasts in Platyhelminthes are the only cells to proliferate and differentiate into all cell types. In Macrostomum lignano, the incorporation of 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in neoblasts confirmed the distribution of S-phase cells in two lateral bands. BrdU labeling for light and for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified three populations of proliferating cells: somatic neoblasts located between the epidermis and gastrodermis (mesodermal neoblasts), neoblasts located within the gastrodermis (gastrodermal neoblasts), and gonadal S-phase cells. In adults, three stages of mesodermal neoblasts (2, 2-3, and 3) defined by their ultrastructure were found. Stage 1 neoblasts where only seen in hatchlings. These stages either were phases within the S-phase of one neoblast pool or were subsequent stages of differentiating neoblasts, each with its own cell cycle. Regular TEM and immunogold labeling provided the basis for calculating the total number of neoblasts and the ratio of labeled to non-labeled neoblasts. Somatic neoblasts represented 6.5% of the total number of cells. Of these, 27% were labeled in S-phase. Of this fraction, 33% were in stage 2, 46% in stage 2-3, and 21% in stage 3. Immunogold labeling substantiated results concerning the differentiation of neoblasts into somatic cells. Non-labeled stage 2 neoblasts were present, even after a 2-week BrdU exposure. Double labeling of mitoses and FMRF-amide revealed a close spatial relationship of mesodermal neoblasts with the nervous system. Immunogold-labeled sections showed that nearly 70% of S-phase cells were in direct contact or within 5 microm from nerve cords.

Fine structure of the body wall, nervous system, and digestive tract in the Lobatocerebridae Rieger and the organization of the gliointerstitial system in Annelida.

The new family Lobatocerebridae, Rieger, contains a group of turbellariomorph worms in the annelid line of evolution. The fine structural organization of the body wall, the digestive tract, and parts of the central and peripheral nervous system are described and the findings are discussed in light of general invertebrate cytology. The epidermis and gastrodermis contain a basal granule cell system which is structurally very similar to the neuroglia cell system of the nervous system. The continuity of the neuroglia cell system, and the epidermal basal granule cell system and the basal granule cell system in the digestive epithelia suggests the existence of a single glial-basal granule cell system, similar to the gliointerstitial cell system first recognized in the Mollusca (see Nicaise, '73). The Annelida may show a dual (ectodermal and mesodermal) origin of such a gliointerstitial cell system as suggested by similarities in the epidermal basal cell system in the Oligochaeta and of certain epidermal and gastrodermal cells in polychaete regeneration with neuroglia in the Annelida. The structural similarity of neuroglia and basal granule cells in Lobatocerebridae may be the result of similarity in the formation, maintenance, or regulation of the extracellular matrix.

Rudimentary cilia in muscle cells of annelids and echinoderms.

Rudimentary cilia have been observed in muscle cells lining the tube feet of Ophioderma brevispinum (Ophiuroidea) and in muscle cells of the body wall and parapodial glands of Owena fusiformis (Polychaeta). A diplosomal basal body is associated with each cilium. Striated rootlets are absent. This is the first report on rudimentary cilia in muscle cells of an echinoderm and an annelid.

Uniflagellate spermatozoa in Nemertoderma (Turbellaria) and their phylogenetic significance.

An ultrastructural study of Nemertoderma (Turbellaria, Nemertodermatida) has revealed that its spermatozoa have only a single falgellum. This is the first uniflagellate spermatozoon known in the Turbellaria; it is indicative of the primitiveness of Nemertoderma and is evidence in support of the view that the Turbellaria as a whole are among the most primitive living Bilateria.

Fine structure of the pharyngeal bulb in Trilobodrilus and its phylogenetic significance within archiannelida.

Transmission electron microscopical studies of the pharyngeal bulb in the archiannelid Trilobodrilus sp. proved the presence of two opposing myofilament systems in the plate muscle cells forming this bulb. These muscles are obliquely striated. The significance as well as the origin of this specialized plate-muscle cells in the pharyngeal bulb of archiannelids is discussed in the light of their controversial phylogenetic and systematic position. In addition a hypothesis is suggested to explain the origin of the special arrangement of two opposing systems of myofilaments in one single muscle cell.