Morphological Alternations of Intraepithelial and Stromal Telocytes in Response to Salinity Challenges

Summary statement The article represent an experimental study in which we investigated the effect of the ssalinty on the communicating cells (telocytes) and their target cells including chloride, stem, Rodlet cells, myoblasts Abstract Telocyte is a communicating cell established relations to various types of cells. Few experimental studies are performed on telocytes. The current study investigated responce of telocytes to salinity stress in relations to osmoregualtory, immune and stem cells. We exposed Common carp to salinity level 0.2, 6, 10, 14 ppt. Gill samples were fixed and processed for microscopic and TEM. Two types of telocytes were identified: intraepithelial and stromal telocytes. Intraepithelial telocytes comprised the cellular lining of the lymph spaces where they shed the secretory vesicles. Stromal telocytes shed their secretory vesicles in the secondary circulatory vessels. Telocyte enlarged and exhibited high secretory activities. They exert their effect either by direct contact or by paracrine mode. In sanity treated samples, chloride cells enlarged and the mitochondria became cigar-shaped. pavement cells enlarged and micro-ridges elongated. Stromal telocytes established contact with stem cell and skeletal myoblast. Macrophages and Rodlet cells increased in number. In conclusion, intraepithelial and stromal responded to salinity stress by activation of cellular signaling. They play a major role in osmoregulation, immunity, and regeneration.