Cellular types in the gill arch of the teleost Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae, Pisces). A histochemical and ultrastructural study.

On adult specimens of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), we have carried out a histochemical and ultrastructural study of the epithelia which form the gill arch. Secondary lamellae have two cellular types, granular and mucous, which produce neutral carbohydrates and proteins rich in tryptophane, and another mucous cell type which contains glycosaminoglycans. In gill rakers, three cellular types show different histochemical behaviour: 1) granular cells elaborate neutral mucosubstances; 2) a second cell type contains glycosaminoglycans,, and 3) a third cell type secretes neutral and acid carbohydrates. We discuss the possible role of these cells according to their secretion. We describe pillar and chloride cells in secondary lamellae, and chloride and neuroendocrine-like cells in gill rakers.