The symbiotic tubeworm Riftia pachyptila needs to fuel its chemoautotrophic symbiotic bacteria with inorganic carbon. CO(2) is transported from the surrounding water to the bacteriocytes located in the trophosome, through the branchial plume and the body fluids. Previous studies have demonstrated the implication of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and proton pumps (ATPases) at various steps of CO(2) tra...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of branchial and gas bladder reflex pathways in the control of gill ventilation and air-breathing in the bowfin Amia calva. We have previously determined that bowfin use two distinct air-breathing mechanisms to ventilate the gas bladder: type I air breaths are characterized by exhalation followed by inhalation, are stimulated by aquatic or ...

INTRODUCTION First branchial cleft anomalies account for less than 8% of all branchial abnormalities. Their rarity and diverse presentations have frequently led to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. In a trend towards specialisation/subspecialisation, first branchial cleft duplication anomalies, with their varied clinical manifestations, may possibly present to an Otology, Head and Neck ...

Tunicates have high capacities for regeneration but the underlying mechanisms and their relationship to life cycle progression are not well understood. Here we investigate the regeneration of distal structures in the ascidian tunicate Ciona intestinalis. Analysis of regenerative potential along the proximal-distal body axis indicated that distal organs, such as the siphons, their pigmented sens...

We present an unusual case of a complete first branchial cleft fistula communicating between the external auditory canal and the skin near the angle of the mandible. CT and fluoroscopic fistulography were used to establish the presence and course of the tract and to assist in surgical planning. The embryology and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies are discussed, with emphasis on ...

Among the congenital otocephalic syndromes, the term "first and second branchial arch syndrome" designates, in the United States, a characteristic congenital malformation which is usually unilateral but occasionally bilateral. In the German literature, the deformity has been termed "dysostosis otomandibularis". Caronni (1971) has coined the term "auriculobranchiogenic dysplasia". Stark and Saun...

Third branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are rare entities that represent abnormal persistence of the branchial apparatus. On CT examination, these cysts appear as homogeneous low-attenuation masses with well-circumscribed margins; on MR imaging, they demonstrate variable signal intensity on T1-weighted images and are hyperintense relative to muscle on T2-weighted images. Definitive treatment is surg...

Using both mutant analyses with zebrafish mutants deficient in genes encoding members of this signaling pathway, as well as pharmacological treatment with cyclopamine, which inhibits Hh signaling, we have gained a better understanding of the role of this signaling pathway on branchial arch outgrowth. We conclude that while Hh is involved in cell proliferation within all pharyngeal cartilages, i...