Development of bioluminescence and photophores in the midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus

Abstract

Correlative studies of luminescent responses, light and electron microscopy of Porichthys photophores during development were conducted. The photophores differentiate as an outgrowth of the basal cell layer of the epidermis, from which they delaminate into the dermis. Reflector cells are formed from dermal fibroblasts. Early photophore cells differentiate into three distinct cell types: photocytes, supportive and lens cells. Elaborate profiles of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies and vesicles suggest intense secretory activity in the early photocytes, while supportive and lens cells differentiate by two different transformations of the microfilament arrangement of primordial photophore cells. Luminescent capabilities of Porichthys photophores arise in two successive phases: (1) an aneural phase during which photophores become fluorescent, photocytes are in process of maturation and respond only to chemical stimulation and (2) a neural phase in which photophores luminesce upon electrical and pharmacological stimulation and are densely innervated with terminals showing relatively narrow neurophotocyte gaps. The presence of neural elements intimately associated with the early photophore anlagen suggests the involvement of the peripheral nervous system in the formation of photophores.