Development of olfactory epithelium and associated structures in the green iguana,Iguana iguana—light and scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract

The ontogenesis of the nasal cavity has been described in many mammalian species. The situation is different with reptiles, despite the fact that they have become relatively common as pets. In this study we focused on the ontogenesis of the olfactory epithelium, as well as other types of epithelia in the nasal cavity of pre-hatched green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Collection of samples began from day 67 of incubation and continued every four days until hatching. Microscopic examination revealed that significant morphological changes in the nasal cavity began approximately at day 91 of ontogenesis. Approximately at this same stage, the nasal cavity epithelium began to differentiate. The cavity was divided into two compartments by a cartilaginous disc. The ventral compartment bulged rostrally and eventually opened up into the external environment. Three clearly demarcated areas of epithelium in the nasal cavity were visible at day 107.

Development of the squamate naso-palatal complex: detailed 3D analysis of the vomeronasal organ and nasal cavity in the brown anole Anolis sagrei (Squamata: Iguania)

“…As far as we know, the embryonic development of such structures has never been studied in Dactyloidae. Only a few analyses have concerned the embryology of the other members of Iguania, providing general descriptions of developing olfactory organs in agamid lizards [ 46 , 47 ] and the green iguana [ 48 ] or analyzing differentiation of the olfactory and associated epithelia in the green iguana [ 49 ].…”

Ontogeny of the nasolacrimal apparatus and nasal sensory systems of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

“…Though there are numerous descriptions of OE development, from the precursor thicker epithelium into the final functional form in many tetrapod taxa (Albawaneh et al, 2021; Benzekri & Reiss, 2012; Holubková et al, 1997; Quinzio & Reiss, 2018; Sapoznikov et al, 2016), there are far fewer studies documenting OE distribution as it develops during ontogeny. Distribution of OE of various turbinals in assorted adult mammals exhibits some variation (Smith et al, 2012; Van Valkenburgh et al, 2011) with greater olfactory expanses in fully terrestrial mammals (VanValkenburgh et al, 2011).…”

Embryology of the naso‐palatal complex in Gekkota based on detailed 3D analysis in Lepidodactylus lugubris and Eublepharis macularius

“…In lizards the presence of columnar compartments in the vomeronasal sensory epithelium is unclear. It is likely that significant undulation of the basal lamina and intrusion of the connective tissue towards the apical part of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium is not present in Iguania (Gabe and Saint Girons, 1976; Sapoznikov et al ., 2016; Kaczmarek et al ., 2020). Neither connective tissue nor blood vessels were found in this study in adult‐like stage of L .…”