Ultrastructure of the Z-organ and Parts of the Female Genital Tract in Xiphinema coxi coxi

Authors

  • M. R. Cho
  • R. T. Robbins
  • K. S. Kim

Keywords:

apophyses, genital tract, morphology, nematode, oviduct, pseudo-z-organ, transmission electron microscopy (tem), typical z-organ, ultrastructure, uterus, xiphinema coxi coxi, z-organ

Abstract

Ultrastructure of the Z-organ and associated apophyses in Xiphinema coxi coxi was studied by transmission electron microscopy to determine their structural origin and relationship with other parts of the genital tract. The Z-organ of X. coxi coxi is oval-shaped, ca. 30 µm long and 16 µm wide. It is clearly distinguished from the other parts of the female genital tract by its thick muscular outer wall, epithelium-lined lumen, and 4-5 centrally located apophyses. Each apophysis is continuous with the epithelial lining of the Z-organ, suggesting that it originated from epithelium. The apophyses appear as thickened and densely folded masses forming numerous interlaced pores and (or) chambers containing mucous-like materials and electron-dense crystals. These apophyses are characteristic of a typical Z-organ; no globular structures characteristics of the pseudo-Z-organ were observed. The thickness of the muscular layer of the oviduct and uterus varied with position. The overall Z-organ ultrastructure of this study, including body wall and internal apophyses, was comparable to the typical Z-organ of X. ifacolum. This suggests that X. coxi coxi should be classified as a Xiphinema species that contains the typical Z-organ.

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Published

2000-09-15

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Section

Articles