Epithelium-associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.). An electron microscopical study

Citation
E. Ringo et al., Epithelium-associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.). An electron microscopical study, J APPL MICR, 90(2), 2001, pp. 294-300
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Biology,Microbiology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
ISSN journal
13645072 → ACNP
Volume
90
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
294 - 300
Database
ISI
SICI code
1364-5072(200102)90:2<294:EBITGT>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
Aims: The primary aim tvas to use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) an d scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to define the location of epithelium-a ssociated bacteria in the digestive tract: of the salmonid fish, Arctic cha rr (Salvelinus alpinus). Methods and Results: TEM and SEN examination of the gastrointestinal tract demonstrated substantial numbers of ovoid and rod-shaped bacterial cells as sociated with the microvillous brush borders of enterocytes. Bacteria were found at the tips of microvilli as well as between adjacent microvilli. End ocytosis of bacteria by epithelial cells was observed in two regions (pylor ic caeca and midgut). Conclusions: Electron microscope examination of the gut is an important too l for evaluating the microbial ecology of the fish digestive tract ecosyste m. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of the current study clea rly demonstrate that the intestine is involved in bacterial endocytosis.