Morphological and functional aspects of reptilian ultimobranchial gland

Abstract

The intention of this review is to compare studies on the morphology and histology (light and electron microscopic) of ultimobranchial glands of various groups of reptiles. Moreover, experiments (including our investigations) on suppression or stimulation of the ultimobranchial gland are included. Adult reptiles possess one (on the left side) or two ultimobranchial glands (UBG). The UBG lie just anterior to the heart. Light as well as electron microscopically, the gland has been shown to contain follicles and cell cords (cell aggregates). The follicular epithelium is lined by simple cuboidal or pseudostratified columnar cells. Ciliated and goblet cells may be present in the follicular epithelia in some groups. The lumen may contain a colloid-like substance with desquamated cells or debris. The UBG of reptiles seem to be an active secretory organ with influence on calcium regulation. Other functions of calcitonin have also been suggested in reptiles for example in neurotransmission, in volume regulation, phosphate balance and promotion of bone calcification (at least in juveniles).