[Coral-List] mucus in the ectodermal epithelium of corals

[Thierry Work]

Dear Yael:

yes, mucocytes definitely are present in calicoblastic epithelium  (at least
in Porite compressa and lobata) as visualized on electron microscopy.  I
have, however, yet to see micro-organisms associated with this layer.

Thierry M. Work
Wildlife Disease Specialist
USGS-National Wildlife Health Center
Honolulu Field Station
PO Box 50167
Honolulu, HI 96850
Tel: 808 792-9520
Fax: 808 792-9596
Cel: 808 554-6490
Web: www.nwhc.usgs.gov/hfs/Homepage.htm

Check out the following references on microscopic morphology of corals.
These may help:

Goldberg W, Makemson J, Colley S (1984) Entoclada endozoica sp. nov., a
pathogenic chlorophyte: structure, life history, physiology, and effect on
its coral host. Biological Bulletin 166:368-383

Goldberg W, Taylor G (1989) Cellular structure and ultrastructure of the
black coral Antipathes aperta: 2. the gastrodermis and its collar cells.
Journal of Morphology 202:255-269

Goldberg WM, Taylor G (1989) Cellular structure and ultrastructure of the
black coral Antipathes aperta: 1. Organization of the tentacular epidermis
and nervous system. Journal of Morphology 202:239-253

Goldberg WM (2001) Acid polysaccharides in the skeletal matrix and
calicoblastic epithelium of the stony coral Mycetophyllia reesi. Tissue &
Cell 33:376-387

Goldberg WM (2001) Desmocytes in the calicoblastic epithelium of the stony
coral Mycetophyllia reesi and their attachment to the skeleton. Tissue &
Cell 33:388-394

Goldberg W (2002) Gastrodermal structure and feeding response in the
scleractinian Mycetophyllia reesi, a coral with novel digestive filaments.
Tissue & Cell 34:246-261

Goldberg WM (2002) Feeding behavior, epidermal structure and mucus
cytochemistry of the scleractinian Mycetophyllia reesi, a coral without
tentacles. Tissue & Cell 34:232-245

Microscopic anatomy of invertebrates Volume 2 Placozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria &
Ctenophora by FW Harrison (Editor) Wiley Press.





-----Original Message-----
From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
[mailto:coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov]On Behalf Of Yael Ben-Haim
Rozenblat
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2006 11:25 PM
To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
Subject: [Coral-List] mucus in the ectodermal epithelium of corals


Hi all coral listrers,
Does anyone knows if there is mucus secretion (or something similar to
mucus) from the ectodermal epithelium layer of corals? (meaning the
calicoblastic ectodermis, close to the skeleton), and/ or any microorganisms
associated with this microlayer of the corals?
Are there any publications or work done about this?
I appreciate any advice and help , and thank you in advance,
Yael

Yael Ben-Haim , Pn.D
The Institute of Earth Sciences
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Givat Ram Campus, Israel
Office: (+972) 2 6586194
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