Distribution and Morphology of the Rodlet Cell in Fish

A short review of the work done on the rodlet cell is presented. The morphology and distribution of rodlet cells in several species of fish, primarily marine, is described and compared with that reported by other authors, mainly in freshwater fish. The morphology in freshwater and marine fish is similar, but variations are present in different tissues in the same fish. The rodlet cell was found in a wide range of tissues in most of the fish studied. It usually occurs in epithelia, with the apex facing the lumen. The possible function of the rodlet cell is discussed. Key words: rodlet cell, fish, morphology, ultrastructure