Fine structure of the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and retinal epithelium in the sheep

1983 ◽  
Vol 166 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlie R. Braekevelt
1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Braekevelt

As part of a comparative morphological study, the fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium, the choriocapillaris, and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the pigeon (Columba livia). In this species the retinal pigment epithelium consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells, which show numerous very deep basal (scleral) infoldings and extensive apical (vitreal) processes enclosing photoreceptor outer segments. These epithelial cells are joined laterally by prominent basally located tight junctions. Internally, smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the most abundant cell organelle with only small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum present. Polysomes are abundant as are mitochondria, which often display a ring-shaped structure. The cell nucleus is large and vesicular. Melanosomes are plentiful in both the apical region of the cell body and within the apical process in the light-adapted condition. Myeloid bodies are large and numerous and very often have ribosomes on their outer border. Bruch's membrane shows a pentalaminate structure but with only a poorly represented central elastic lamina. Profiles of the choriocapillaris are relatively small and not overly abundant. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris, while extremely thin facing the retinal epithelium, is but minimally fenestrated.


1974 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1601-1605 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Braekevelt

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the adult northern pike (Esox lucius).The pigment epithelium is composed of a single layer of large cells. Each epithelial cell has abundant mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, myeloid bodies, phagosomes, and pigment granules. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes are scarce.The scleral or basal border of the epithelial cell is not infolded whereas the vitreal or apical surface displays numerous, fine, elongated processes which surround the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors.Bruch's membrane is composed of three layers. The innermost layer is the basal lamina of the pigment epithelium. The outermost layer is the basal lamina of the choriocapillaris endothelium. Between these basal laminae is a layer of fine fibrils. The overall thickness of Bruch's membrane is 3.5–4 μ posteriorly.The endothelial wall of the choriocapillaris bordering Bruch's membrane is typically very thin but nonfenestrated. Vesicles are common in the endothelial cytoplasm.This region of the pike eye differs morphologically from that described for most other vertebrates.


1985 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Gouras ◽  
M. T. Flood ◽  
H. Kjeldbye ◽  
M. K. Bilek ◽  
H. Eggers

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Braekevelt

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelial layer and associated regions has been studied by electron microscopy in the adult mud minnow Umbra limi. The pigment epithelium is composed of a single layer of large columnar cells. Each epithelial cell has abundant small mitochondria, much smooth endoplasmic reticulum (often in highly organized arrays), myeloid bodies, phagosomes and pigment granules. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes are scarce. The scleral or basal border of the epithelial cells is but minimally infolded whereas the vitreal or apical surface displays numerous elongated processes which surround the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors. Unattached, presumably phagocytic cells are a constant feature both between the retinal epithelial cells and within Bruch's membrane. Bruch's membrane lacks a central elastic layer and is composed only of three layers. The endothelial wall of the choriocapillaris bordering Bruch's membrane is typically very thin with a few fenestrations. This region of the mud minnow eye is morphologically similar to that described in other teleost species but differs from that described in most mammals.


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