New observations on the rodlet cell (Rhabdospora thelohani) in the white sucker Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède): LM and EM studies

Abstract

Light and electron microscopic studies of the morphological features of immature and mature rodlet cells in Catostomus commersoni are presented emphasizing the cells' association with epithelial tissues. The peripheral fibrillar layer is lacking from the apex and from the base of the cell. A cytoplasmic extension from the base may be a feeding mechanism whereby the rodlet cell obtains nutrient at the expense of adjacent cells leaving intercellular spaces often containing myelin figures. RNAase digestion studies demonstrate the presence of RNA in the electron dense rodlet core.The structure and histochemistry of the rodlets which do not appear to disintegrate upon expulsion from the cell are compared to the cytoplasmic inclusions of both normal fish cells and protozoan parasites. The possible association of the rodlet cell with various pathological conditions is briefly reviewed and the authors conclude that it is premature to disregard the possibility that this cell could be a parasite or infective agent.

Cellular responses in the skin of the trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to temperature elevation

“…The origin of rodlet cells is not clear. They have been interpreted as parasites (Barber et al, 1979), granular leucocytes (Cenini, 1984), or migrating secretory cells (Leino, 1982). Here we present further evidence for their appearance in the epidermis of stressed fish.…”

Rhabdospora thelohani: Epidemiology of and migration into Cyprinus carpio bulbus arteriosus.

“…Several researchers have described the ultrastructure of less differentiated or immature rodlet cell stages (LEINO 1974;DESSER and LESTER 1975;FLOOD et al, 1975;BARBER et al., 1979). LEINO (1974) indicated that early rodlet cells are not easily distinguishable from other undifferen tiated cells near the basement membrane, suggest ing that pre-rodlet cell stages can be traced by their characteristic organelles to a point in de velopment but not back to the mitotic stem cell stage.…”

“…The transferring of an infectious rhabdosporan stage from broodfish to offspring by sexual products, therefore, remains a possibility. Because rodlets contain RNA, BARBER et al (1979) suggested that the rodlets might serve as a transmissive agent with the RNA representing a form of genetic material.…”

Ultrastructure of Rodlet Cells: Response to Cadmium Damage in the Kidney of the Spot Leiostomus xanthurus Lacépède

“…X 27,600 RoDLET CELLS AFTER Caourul. (Leino 1974, Desser and Lester 1975,Barber et al 1979, Mattey et al1979 Leino (1974) Leino (1974) or Desser and Lester (1975 …”