Histology, histochemistry and stereology of the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus.
The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fin. Its taxonomic occurrence is very restrict; thus, it represents an important trace for taxon distinction. As it does not play a known vital physiological roll and it is easily removed, it is commonly used in marking and recapture studies. The present study characterizes the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus, as it is poorly explored by the literature. The adipose fin consists basically of a loose connective core, covered by a stratified epithelium supported by collagen fibers. At the epithelium, pigmented cells and alarm substance cells are found. Despite the name, adipocytes or lipid droplets are not observed on the structure of the fin.
Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Campus de Rio Claro, SP, Brazil. beka_msa@hotmail.com
Rebeca Mamede da Silva
RM
Alves
Bruno Fiorelini
BF
Pereira
Dimítrius Leonardo
DL
Pitol
José Algusto
JA
Senhorini
Rita de Cássia Gimenes de Alcântara
Rde C
Rocha
Flavio Henrique
FH
Caetano
D058500:Animal Fins / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D060125:Characiformes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008853:Microscopy