Megamitochondria in the serous acinar cells of the submandibular gland of the neotropical fruit bat,Artibeus obscurus

摘要: Background As part of a continuing investigation the comparative ultrastructure chiropteran salivary glands, we examined submandibular glands eight species neotropical fruit bats in genus Artibeus. We previously described secretory granules unusual substructure seromucous demilunar cells this organ some genus. In present study, turned our attention to serous acinar same glands. Methods Specimens seven Artibeus were collected localities. Salivary extirpated field and thin slices fixed by immersion triple aldehyde-DMSO or modified half-strength Karnovsky's fixative. Tissues further processed for electron microscopy conventional means. Results In contrast cells, which exhibit species-specific diversification genus, apparatus are highly conserved across all species. The single exception involves mitochondria one instance, cell obscurus into megamitochondria. Such organelles usually have short, peripheral cristae; laminar inclusion is matrix compartment every outsized organelle. Inclusions nature never normal-size cells. None megamitochondria observed process degeneration. Conclusions The giant A. matrical structure that radically different from only other reported occur bat glands. factors lead variation megamitochondrial species, as well functional capacities such organelles, unknown. Anat. Rec. 248:13–17, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.