ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The pineal organ of the West Coast newt Taricha torosa has been examined electron microscopically one, two and five years after metamorphosis. Although the organ has flattened with concomitant reduction of the lumen, the basic larval organization of the pineal photoreceptors and supportive cells is retained. Photoreceptors demonstrate both basal synaptic regions and outer segments, although the latter are disorganized as compared to the larva. Supportive cells, which increase in volume with age, contain membranous debris suggesting a sequence of phagocytosis of outer segments. Tubular vesticular membrane complexes enclosing 450 Å tubules are found in supportive cell processes adjacent to the basal lamina near blood vessels. Despite these changes the adult pineal organ retains the morphological entities thought to be necessary for photoreceptive function.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091700202