Browsing by Author "A.K. Mittal"

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A comparative study of the epidermis of the common carp and the three Indian major carp
(1990) S.K. Singh; A.K. Mittal
A comparative study has been made of the mucogenic epidermis of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio var. communis, and the three Indian major carps, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala: on the basis of epidermis structural organization, these species are easily differentiated. The epithelial cells in the superficial layer, as in most fishes, show secretory activity, evidenced by positive histochemical reactions, which is high in C. carpio var. communis, moderate in C. catla and low in L. rohita and C. mrigala. The epithelial cells in the underlying two or three layers also give positive reactions, though their intensity is relatively weak. The mucous cells in C. carpio var. communis are distributed in large numbers arranged in several superimposed layers in the outer regions of the epidermis, whereas in C. catla they are fewer in number and are widely separated in the surface layers as well as in the deeper layers of the epidermis; in both species the mucous cells appear rounded, large, and open on the surface by wide pores. In contrast, in L. rohita and C. mrigala the mucous cells are smaller, restricted mainly to the superficial layer, close together in a single row, and open on the surface by narrow pores. The overall density of mucous cells in L. rohita and C. mrigala, as in C. catla, is much lower than in C. carpio var. communis. In the epidermis of C. carpio var. communis there are a large number of mucous cells, and the few club cells are restricted to the deeper layers. In contrast, in the epidermis of the three Indian major carp the overall density of the mucous cells is much lower and the club cells are very numerous. It is suggested that the high density of club cells compensates an overall low density of mucous cells as an adaptation for an effective defence mechanism. Increased mucus production in the epidermis of C. carpio var. communis, as evidenced by a large number of mucous cells in outer regions and high secretory activity of superficial layer epithelial cells, is associated with increased precipitation of mud held in suspension, needed as an adaptation to the species’peculiar bottom‐scooping habits. The varied density of the taste buds in the epidermis of the four carp is associated with their feeding habits. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
A comparative study of the structure of the skin of certain air‐breathing fresh‐water teleosts
(1971) A.K. Mittal; J. S. Datta Munshi
A comparative study of the skin, based on the micro‐anatomical investigation of skin fragments taken from a specific region of the body, has been made of three air‐breathing fishes, namely, Heteropneustes fossilis, Amphipnous cuchia and Mastacembelus pancalus. On the basis of their structure and histochemical nature, five types of skin glands have been distinguished in the epidermis of these fishes. The relative thickness of the epidermis (A. cuchia–119 μm (average value), H. fossilis– 98 μm (average value), M. pancalus–34 μm (average value)) and its vascularization has been considered and compared with other fishes and amphibians. The possibilities of cutaneous respiration in these air‐breathing fishes has been discussed. The presence of a well‐defined lymphatic system, comprising a series of lymph spaces containing small lymphocytes, in the stratum germinativum layer of the epidermis of these fishes has been established. The stratum laxum layer of the dermis in Amphipnous is characterized by the presence of definite areas containing “Substantia amorpha” having acidic mucopolysaccharides which may be related with the amphibious habit of the fishes. This is an adaptation against desiccation similar to that found in the Anura. In Mastacembelus elliptical areas of the stratum laxum penetrate into the epidermis thus making these areas of the epidermis considerably thin (about 7 μm) for cutaneous respiration. There is an inverse relationship between the thickness of the stratum compactum and squamation. Copyright © 1971, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
A cytochemical study of the 'chloride cells' in the skin of a fresh water teleost (Channa striata (Bl.) Channidae, Pisces)
(1975) T.K. Banerjee; A.K. Mittal
[No abstract available]
A histochemical study of the epidermal keratinization in the skin of a fresh water teleost Bagarius bagarius (Ham.) (Sisoridae, Pisces)
(1974) A.K. Mittal; T.K. Banerjee
[No abstract available]
A histochemical study of the epidermis of the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (anabantidae, pisces)
(1980) S.K. Agarwal; T.K. Banerjee; A.K. Mittal
A histochemical investigation has been made to localize and characterize various lipid, protein, carbohydrate and enzyme constituents present within the different cell types of the epidermis of Anabas testudineus. The polygonal cells contain glycogen, the amount of which gradually increases as the cells move towards the surface until they reach the most superficial layer where the amount of glycogen slightly decreases indicating the metabolically active state of these cells. The basal cells, which frequently undergo cell proliferation, contain no glycogen. The polygonal cells give strong reactions for SDH, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol esters and nonsulphated acid mucopolysaccharides, moderate reactions for acidic lipids, phospholipids and free cholesterol and weak reactions for neutral mucopolysaccharides, protein bound NH2 groups, mucoprotein, tyrosine, tryptophan and cysteine bound sulphydryl groups. These cells in the outermost layer give stronger reactions for acidic lipids, phospholipids and cholesterol esters and weaker reactions for SDH and alkaline phosphatase activities. The above findings reveal that the polygonal cells remain metabolically active throughout the epidermis. The mucus cells are numerous and secrete a mixture of neutral mucopolysaccharides, sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides and nonsulphated acid mucopolysaccharides. The contents of the sacciform granulated cells are mainly proteins. A thick coat of slime over the body surface containing mucopolysaccharides, lipids and proteins is important in keeping the skin moist and may facilitate the survival of the fish while it is on land. The melanophores in the epidermis play an important role in preventing the colonization by parasites, fungi and bacteria over the body surface, and act as macrophages.
A note on cold anaesthesia of poikilotherms
(1978) A.K. Mittal; M. Whitear
[No abstract available]
An improved method of separation of intact epidermal sheets in fish
(1988) A.K. Mittal; T.K. Garg
[No abstract available]
Antibacterial properties of the skin mucus of the freshwater fishes, Rita rita and Channa punctatus
(2011) U. Kumari; A.K. Nigam; Swati Mittal; A.K. Mittal
Objectives: The skin mucus of Rita rita and Channa punctatus was investigated to explore the possibilities of its antibacterial properties. Materials and Methods: Skin mucus was extracted in acidic solvents (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and 3% acetic acid) and in triple distilled water (aqueous medium). The antibacterial activity of the mucus extracts was analyzed, using disc diffusion method, against five strains of bacteria - the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus; and the Gram negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. Results: In both Rita rita and Channa punctatus, the skin mucus extracted in acidic solvents as well as in aqueous medium show antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. Nevertheless, the activity is higher in acidic solvents than that in aqueous medium. The acidic mucus extracts of Rita rita, show antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi as well. Conclusions: The results suggest that fish skin mucus have bactericidal properties and thus play important role in the protection of fish against the invasion of pathogens. Fish skin mucus could thus be regarded as a potential source of novel antibacterial components.
Changes in the levels and distribution of glycogen during regeneration of cutaneous wounds in Heteropneustes fossilis: A histochemical investigation
(1997) A.K. Rai; A.K. Mittal
Incisional wounds of the same length and depth were made in the skin of catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, and the response in terms of levels of glycogen in cells during healing was studied histochemically. After injury, glycogen disappeared completely from the cells in the migrating epidermis. This disappearance is correlated with the migration of the epidermal cells toward the wound gap for epithelialization and the increased production of mucous cells at the initial stages of healing. The gradual accumulation of glycogen in the epithelial cells and the basal cells after epithelialization of the wound during the catty stages of healing suggests that in these cells gluconeogenesis predominates. The gradual disappearance of glycogen from the epithelial cells 72 h after injury and from the basal cells 36 h after injury indicates the gradual resumption of their metabolite activities. The increased gradients of glycogen in club cells that are undergoing vacuolization and disintegration are discussed. No significant levels of glycogen were observed during the formation of granulation tissue and biosynthesis of the sub-cutis. The depletion of glycogen in the degenerating muscle bundles is correlated with the synthesis of lactic acid which contributes to local acidity and favours the autolysis of muscles.
Characterisation of glycoproteins in the secretory cells in the operculum of an Indian hill stream fish Garra lamta (Hamilton) (Cyprinidae, cyprinidae, cypriniformes)
(2002) S. Mittal; Pinky Mittal; A.K. Mittal
Glycoproteins (GPs) elaborated by the secretory cells in the opercular epidermis (OE) and the epithelium lining the inner surface of the operculum (EISO), of an Indian hill stream fish Garra lamta have been analysed by means of a battery of histochemical methods. These included methods for the characterisation and simultaneous visualisation of GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols, O-acyl sugars, O-sulphate esters and sialic acid residues without O-acyl substitution or with O-acyl substitution at C7, C8 or C9. Results obtained in this study show that conventional periodic acid Schiff's and alcian blue based procedures are less sensitive and largely fail to identify different classes of GPs. In the OE the secretory cells involved in the synthesis of GPs are the epithelial cells, the mucous cells and the club cells. Based on the histochemical characterisation of GPs, the mucous cells are distinguished in to two types, Type A and Type B. The majority being of Type A. In the EISO, in contrast, the club cells are absent and most mucous cells belong to a third category, Type C. Type A and Type B mucous cells are few. GP classes synthesised by the secretory cells and released on the outer surface of the operculum, directly exposed to the environmental hazards show significant differences in their composition and concentration from those on, the relatively well protected, inner surface of the operculum. These are discussed in relation to the physiological significance of the GP classes with special reference to their role in lubrication, protection and inhibition of the invasion and proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms.
Effect of an anionic detergent—sodium dodecyl sulphate exposure on club cells in the epidermis of Clarias batrachus
(1994) A.K. Mittal; T.K. Garg
When treated with detergent club cells showed degenerative changes and released their contents to plug the intercellular spaces. This mechanism could act as an efficient protective barrier substantiating the role of club cells in assisting fish to overcome adverse conditions. A general decrease in the dimensions of club cells was associated with discharge of their contents. The appearance of juvenile club cells reflected their differentiation in response to increased demands to meet the challenge. Increases in the number of club cells indicated the differentiation of these cells at a rate faster than their degeneration. Localization of glycogen in club cells at the start of detergent treatment and, in general, its absence later and, in both control and juvenile club cells, is discussed in relation to the metabolic status of the cells. No marked shift was observed in the mucopolysaccharide and protein moieties of club cells. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Enzymes in the epidermis of a fresh-water teleost Barbus sophor (Cyprinidae, Pisces). pisces). A histochemical investigation
(1979) S.K. Agrawal; T.K. Banerjee; A.K. Mittal
[No abstract available]
Fine structure and histochemistry of the epidermis of the fish Monopterus cuchia
(1980) A.K. Mittal; M. Whitear; S.K. Agarwal
An attempt is made to correlate fine structure with the histochemical reactions of the epidermis in the synbranchiform fish Monopterus cuchia. Three sources of mucus are identified. Superficial epithelial cells produce weakly acidic glycoprotein which is secreted at the surface as the external mucous layer or cuticle. Numerous large unicellular mucous glands have a secretion which is strongly acidic and sulphated, although the basal and peripheral parts of these cells, which contain most of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, react strongly for neutral glycoprotein; Golgi cisternae appear to be involved in a change of histochemical reaction from neutral to strongly acidic as the secretion is formed. A second, slender, type of mucous gland cell, not previously reported, gives a weaker reaction for sulphated acidic glycoprotein and has cytoplasm with numerous Golgi cisternae and free ribosomes, producing electron–dense secreted drops. Sacciform cells, with a protein–aceous secretion, have a characteristic fine structure with membranous “bubbles” at the surface of the cytoplasm. Ionocytes, sensor) cells and intrusive leucocytes have been identified in the epidermis. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Fish skin surface lipids: phospholipids
(1986) A.K. Mittal; G.D. Nigam
Phospholipid components of skin surface secretions of four Indian freshwater fishes were analysed using different solvent systems in one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional thin‐layer chromatography, and quantified using a spectrophotometer. The phospholipid pattern of the skin secretions is similar to that of membrane lipids. Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine are the major components constituting approximately two‐thirds of the total phospholipids. Sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl serine are present in relatively low quantities. Phosphatidic acid, phosphatidyl glycerol, lysophosphatidyl choline and lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine, which may be important metabolic intermediates, are present in very low quantities in the skin surface secretions of all four species. It is suggested that the lipids are derived from membranous profiles in the secretions of skin glands, extrusion of membrane‐bound vesicles from surface epithelial cells, and exfoliated cells. The results are discussed in relation to the biochemical and biological significance of these lipids in the skin secretions. Copyright © 1986, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Glycoproteins in the Buccal Epithelium of a Carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Pisces, Cyprinidae): A Histochemical Profile
(2014) M. Yashpal; U. Kumari; S. Mittal; A.K. Mittal
Glycoproteins (GPs) were visualized histochemically in the secretory cells - the mucous goblet cells (the type A and the type B), the rodlet cells and the epithelial cells in different regions of the buccal cavity of Cirrhinus mrigala. The type A mucous goblet cells, the type B mucous goblet cells, the rodlet cells and the epithelial cells elaborate GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols and GPs with sialic acid residue without O-acyl substitution. The type A mucous goblet cells, in addition, contain moderate amounts of GPs with O-sulphate esters. The type B mucous goblet cells, in contrast, contain high concentrations of GPs with O-sulphate esters. The rodlet cells secrete small amounts of GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols. The analysis of the results elucidates interesting differences in the composition and concentration of GPs in the mucus elaborated by the secretory cells indicating the potential importance of the glycoproteins in the buccal cavity. These GPs could be considered to represent a mechanism for modulation of the composition of the protective mucus layer correlated to specific functions. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Glycoproteins in the epithelium of lips and associated structures of a hill stream fish harra lamta (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes): A histochemical investigation
(2008) Pinky; S. Mittal; A.K. Mittal
A series of histochemical procedures were employed to localize and characterize glycoprotein (GP) classes elaborated in the epithelia of the upper and lower lips and associated structures, namely the rostral cap, the adhesive pad, the horny upper and lower jaw sheaths and the folds of skin between them, of a hill stream fish Garra lamta. The epithelia of the lips, the folds of skin and the major portions of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad are mucogenic. The epithelia of the horny jaw sheaths and parts of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad are keratinized. Based on the histochemical characterization of GPs, the cells involved in the secretions in the epithelia at the mucogenic regions of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad comprise the epithelial cells, the type A mucous cells and the club cells. In the lips and the folds of skin, in contrast, the club cells are absent and most mucous cells belong to the type B category. Type A mucous cells are few. GPs elaborated by cellular components of the mucogenic epithelia include GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols, GPs with O-sulphate esters, GPs with sialic acid residues without O-acyl substitution or with O-acyl substitution at C7, C8 or C9 and GPs with O-acyl sugars. The different types of cells show significant differences in the classes as well as in the concentrations of the GPs elaborated by them. GPs have also been identified in the subcorneal space between the unculi and the epithelial cells in the replacement layer in the epithelia at the keratinized regions. Elaboration of more than one type of GPs suggests a basis for functional discrimination in their role in the mucous secretions at the surface as an adaptation to the feeding ecology and the environment inhabited by the fish. © 2008 Blackwell Verlag.
Hinge epidermis of Natrix piscator during its sloughing cycle—structural organization and protein histochemistry
(1987) A.K. Mittal; J.P.N. Singh
The structure and protein histochemistry of the hinge epidermis of the chequered water snake, Natrix piscator, throughout the sloughing cycle has been described. Hinge epidermis, like the scale epidermis, undergoes cyclic changes in its organization and six consecutive stages are itemized during one complete cycle. In contrast to the scale epidermis, the beta layer, alpha layer, presumptive beta layer and presumptive alpha layer could not be distinguished in hinge epidermis throughout the sloughing cycle. The stratum germinativum, 1–2 layers of undifferentiated epidermal cells, mesos layer and Oberhautchen constitute the epidermis in stage 1. In stage 2, the undifferentiated epidermal cell layers increase in number and a few eosinophilic granular cells have appeared. In stage 3, the lacunar tissue, consisting of large swollen cells arranged in several layers, and the clear layer are differentiated. In stage 4, the presumptive Oberhautchen and presumptive mesos layer are delineated and the lacunar tissue richly infiltrated by eosinophilic granular cells. The presumptive Oberhautchen matures and the lacunar tissue shows further degeneration in stage 5, and in stage 6 the presumptive mesos layer is mature, the lacunar tissue degenerates and the outer epidermal generation invariably is detached. Histochemically, the Oberhautchen is weakly eosinophilic, stains orange in MTS (Mallory's triple stain), strongly for cystine‐bound ‐SS groups, moderately for cysteine‐bound ‐SH groups and weakly for basic protein, protein‐bound‐NH2 groups, tyrosine, tryptophan and bound calcium. The mesos layer is strongly eosinophilic, stains red in MTS and displays strong reactions for the various protein end groups. Both the Oberhautchen and mesos layer show very strong DNase and R Nase resistant fluorescence with congo red—titan yellow/thioflavin T, rhodamine B, thioflavin T and titan yellow. In contrast, the lacunar tissue, clear layer, undifferentiated epidermal cells and stratum germinativum cells are weakly eosinophilic and show weak reactions for ‐NH2 groups and bound calcium and do not show D Nase and R Nase resistant fluorescence with various fluorochromes. High amounts of disulphide groups confer mechanical strength and durability to the Oberhautchen and the mesos layer, and the outer layers of the epidermis. The functional value of tyrosine and tryptophan‐rich proteins in the keratinized layers of the epidermis is not immediately apparent. In the epidermis of the hinge, unlike that of the scale, the keratinized layers are thin and folded, and vertical striations are absent in the Oberhautchen and presumptive Oberhautchen, for the skin in this region is well protected between overlapping scales. In addition, thin and folded keratinized layers, together with large swollen lacunar tissue cells confer elasticity and stretching to the hinge epidermis, so as to permit free movements by the snake. The eosinophilic granular cells probably act as scavengers to clear the debris from the autolysed lacunar tissue cells, and they play an important role in the local defence mechanism to protect snakes from invasion by micro‐organisms. Copyright © 1987, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Histochemical analysis of glycoproteins in the secretory cells in the epidermis of the head skin of Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita
(Elsevier Ltd, 2012) A.K. Rai; N. Srivastava; U. Kumari; S. Mittal; A.K. Mittal
A series of histochemical procedures were employed to localise and characterise glycoprotein (GP) classes produced by the epithelial cells, the type A and the type B mucous goblet cells (MGCs) and the club cells in the epidermis of Labeo rohita. The epithelial cells secreted GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols and GPs with sialic acid residues without O-acyl substitution in low concentrations. The type A MGCs and the type B MGCs, in contrast, produced these GPs in high concentrations. Further, these MGCs produced GPs with O-sulphate esters as well. GPs with O-sulphate esters were produced in high concentration by the type A MGCs and in low concentration by the type B MGCs. The club cells produced GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols in trace amounts. Production of more than one type of GPs suggested a basis for functional discrimination in their role in the mucous secretions at the skin surface. This is considered an adaptation to environment inhabited by the fish and is discussed in relation to their role in lubrication, protection and inhibition of the invasion and proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Histochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and succinic dehydrogenase activities in the epidermis of the freshwater teleost, Amphipnous cuchia (Hamilton) (Symbranchiformes, Pisces)
(1976) T.K. Banerjee; S.K. Agarwal; A.K. Rai; A.K. Mittal
[No abstract available]
Histochemical response of alkaline phosphatase activity during the healing of cutaneous wounds in a cat-fish
(Birkhäuser-Verlag, 1983) A.K. Rai; A.K. Mittal
The activity of alkaline phosphatase in the various tissue components of the regenerating skin of a cat-fish has been studied. A marked increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells of migrating epithelium has been correlated with their highly active state. High alkaline phosphatase in the basal cells after 2 days has been found to have played an important role in cell multiplication and differention. The functional significance of this enzyme is discussed in relation to the granulation tissue formation. © 1983 Birkhäuser Verlag.