Scale morphology of Prochilodus lineatus with emphasis on the scale epithelium

Author(s)

Alves, R. M. S. ^[1] ; Pereira, B. F. ^[1] ; Pitol, D. L. ^[2] ; Senhorini, J. A. ^[3] ; Alcantara-Rocha, R. C. G. ^[3] ; Caetano, F. H. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Odontol, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Lab Reprod Peixes ICMBio CEPTA, Pirassununga, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Biology; v. 73, n. 3, p. 637-644, AUG 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The fish body is entirely covered by a thin, smooth and glandular epidermis, closely attached to the scales inserted on the dermis. The descriptive work on this tissue dates to twenty or thirty years ago, bears very little photographic record and does not focus on the scale epithelium, despite the fact that it is in direct contact with the environment. Thereupon, the present study characterizes the scale epithelium of Prochilodus lineatus, a robust species of fish. The observations show that the scale is completely covered by epithelium thicker on the proximal end of the scale, multilayered on the dorsal surface and undifferentiated on the ventral surface, and covered by mucous producing cells, mostly acid mucous. The scale is formed by plywood-like collagen matrix of collagen type III and supported by a network of elastic fibers on the ventral face. Differentiated cellular types are present, such as club cells, considered to be responsible for the release of alarm substances, which suggests possible use in environmental assessment as a non-invasive technique. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/09408-4 - Ultrastructural and histochemical analysis of scale epithelium of Prochilodus lineatus exposed to contaminated waters
• Grantee: Rebeca Mamede da Silva Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation