Effects of induced aestivation in Protopterus annectens: a histomorphological study.

摘要: The aim of this research was to induce, at will in the laboratory, aestivation Dipnoan Protopterus annectens, order compare structure organs lungfish adapted aquatic or aestivating conditions. animals were placed a glass tank containing warm water, and bottom filled with clay sand. To start water allowed slowly evaporate; as soon fish dry environment, it began excavate hole mud burrow into it. Scanning electron microscopy histological techniques compared morphology skin, gills, lungs free-swimming animals. In animals, secondary lamellae gills became thick covered by mucus that pasted together. epidermis skin thin composed layers flattened cells. contrast, widely separated contained numerous mucus-laden lungs, bloodless threads conditions, were, air-breathing rich blood showed walls ridges pillars protruded lung cavity, producing small alveolar protrusions. features similar amphibians, testifying convergence some tissue utilizing land cohabitat. J. Exp. Zool. 292:26–31, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.