A transmission electron microscopy investigation suggests that telocytes, skeletal muscles, myoblasts, and stem cells in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) respond to salinity challenges

Background Telocytes are modified interstitial cells that communicate with other types of cells, including stem
cells. Stemness properties render them more susceptible to environmental conditions. The current morphological
investigation examined the reactions of telocytes to salt stress in relation to stem cells and myoblasts. The common
carp are subjected to salinity levels of 0.2, 6, and 10 ppt. The gill samples were preserved and prepared for TEM.
Results The present study observed that telocytes undergo morphological change and exhibit enhanced secretory
activities in response to changes in salinity. TEM can identify typical telocytes. This research gives evidence for the
communication of telocytes with stem cells, myoblasts, and skeletal muscles. Telocytes surround stem cells. Telopodes
made planar contact with the cell membrane of the stem cell. Telocytes and their telopodes surrounded the skeletal
myoblast. These findings show that telocytes may act as nurse cells for skeletal stem cells and myoblasts, which
undergo fibrillogenesis. Not only telocytes undergo morphological alternations, but also skeletal muscles become
hypertrophied, which receive telocyte secretory vesicles in intercellular compartments.
Conclusion In conclusion, the activation of telocytes is what causes stress adaptation. They might act as important
players in intercellular communication between cells. It is also possible that reciprocal interaction occurs between
telocytes and other cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions.