ISSN:
0741-0581
Keywords:
RPE morphology
;
Melanosomes
;
Plasma membrane
;
Chick embryo
;
Melanogenesis
;
Photoreceptor development
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Natural Sciences in General
Notes:
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the developing eye of chick embryos has been studied during the early stages of development by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). Specimen preparation techniques which involve removal of the cytoplasmic matrix permitted visualization of organelles and other subcellular structures within RPE cells in detail and in three dimensional (3-D) stereo HRSEM. Using this technique, we were able to examine changes in melanosome structures during development and demonstrate that pigmentation in the RPE was present by day 4 of development. RPE plasma cell membranes showed extensive folding of the apical portion of the membrane closest to the developing neural retina by day 9. Examination of RPE photoreceptor junction revealed photoreceptor inner segments by day 6 and an outer segment by day 9. Mitochondria in the RPE were found to contain tubular cristae only. The ultrastructure in 3-D of the Golgi apparatus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and nuclear chromatin of the RPE, and Bruch's layer was revealed by the HRSEM method.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jemt.1060180305
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