Rapid integumental color changes due to novel iridophores in the chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi

Summary

The chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi displays rapid color changes in integument from blue to red. Our microscopic observations revealed that the rapid color changes were generated by motile activities of novel dermal iridophores. In the cytoplasm of the iridophores, we observed very thin reflecting platelets, resembling damselfish-type iridophores, but the platelets were arranged and distributed in a limited area near the cell membrane. Our pharmacological evaluation revealed that increasing K⁺ ions in the perfusion medium led to a rapid color change of the iridophores from blue to red within 0.5 s. Norepinephrine effectively induced color changes toward a reddish color. The action of norepinephrine on the iridophores was blocked by the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. These findings suggest that adrenergic stimulation is a main cue to control the motile activity of iridophores in the chameleon sand tilefish.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2kM79pv
via IFTTT