Gap junctions suggest epithelial conduction within the comb plates of the ctenophore Pleurobrachia bachei

Abstract

Intercellular gap junctions occur between the ciliated cells that make up the comb plates of the ctenophore Pleurobrachia. Similar junctions are found within the ciliated grooves which run from the apical organ to the first plate of each comb row, as well as throughout the endoderm of the meridional canals. Gap junctions were not found in the ectodermal tissue between the comb rows. The distribution of junctions suggests that excitation conduction within the ciliated grooves, comb plates and meridional canal endoderm may be epithelial.