• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 1999

The structure of skin of a mud loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus was described in relation with their histochemical nature from four regions of the skin. The epidermis has a strongly thick layer of two glandular cells, consisting of a elongate mucous cell and club cell, and a thin layer of superficial layer. The secretion of the elongated mucous cell was acid mucopolysaccharides in nature but the club cell did not give any histochemical reaction. A well defined lymphatic system, comprising small lymphocytes was present in the stratum germinativum layer of the epidermis. A pit organ of a pear-shaped structure was present below the epithelial cells and lie directly on the basement membrane. The organ has blood vessels serving the sense organs of the epidermis. There was a definite area showing acid mucopolysaccharides in the stratum laxum layer of the dermis. Small scales are present deep in the dermis except the top of the head. A great number of blood capillaries were found just under basement membrane. These structural features of skin in M. anguillicaudatus seem to be closely related with cutaneous respiration using air.