Branchial structure and ionocyte abundance in 25DPH larvae of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus Borodin 1897

The gill Structure and localization of Na, K+ATPase were examined through branchial arches of the Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus larvae (25 days-post-hatched, 417.3 mg). Studies were conducted through light microscopy (H&E Staining) and immunofluorescence for Na, K+ATPase. Results showed each gill consisted of four complete holobranches and opercular hemibranch. Each filament carried rows of lamellae consisting of a network of interconnecting blood lacunae, which were lined by pillar cell flanges. Pavement cells covered the outermost layer of the lamella and blood cells were found in lacunae. High density of ionocytes (529.73 per mm2 of the gill tissue) was found at the base of the lamella, in the interlamellar regions, on the filaments and the septums. Ionocytes possessed large size and round basal nuclei. Ionocytes possessed strong immunofleurescence in their cytoplasm, especially in the basolateral sides because of high concentration of the enzyme. The results showed that the main structures of the gill has already been formed at this developmental stage of the Persian sturgeon, and along with its respiratory and excretory roles, it also plays an important role in osmoregulation.