ISSN:
0002-9106
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Ependymal cell processes in the optic tectum of the adult sand bass, Paralabrax nebulifer, extend across the neural tube to the pial surface of the brain and exhibit several unique cytoplasmic features, which readily distinguish these cells from other elements in the brain when examined in the electron microscope. These include large, perpendicularly oriented bundles of filaments cross-striated by a series of irregular membranous structures (“ependymal reticulum”), glycogen granules and dense-core vesicles in the outer portions and lateral protuberances of the main ependymal shaft, large clear vacuoles more numerous near the pial surface, large mitochondria with a distinctive pattern of tubular cristae and a flocculent matrix and fasciae occludentes at sub-pial endfoot contacts. These morphological findings suggest that ependymal cells do not simply constitute a primitive source for new cells or merely serve as structural support, but rather are highly specialized and may display secretory activity.
Additional Material:
1 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aja.1001190308
