Abstract
DESCEMET's membrane formation was electronmicroscopically studied in the developing chick cornea, and at the same time some histochemical observations could be made.1. The DESCEMET's membrane begins to form on 7th day of incubation, and it appears in the electron microscope as an arrangement of microfibrils of about 8mμ which tends to be bundle, and between the individual fibrils structureless material of moderate electron density is observed.2. In the following stage of the development (on 9th day), ribosomes increases remarkably in number in the cytoplasm of the endothelium, and the DESCEMET's membrane grows up to the thickness of about 350mμ, which is recognized scarcely under the light microscope as a very thin thread like featur of PAS positive.3. On 12th day, DESCEMET's membrane shows the finely stippled appearance, which consists of dense granules and amorphous material which fills its interstieces. Endoplasmic reticula in the endothelium cells dilate to the form of cisternae. Metachromasia appears from this stage on at the subendothelial thin layer of the stroma in the non-sulfated preparations.4. Non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity is demonstrated on the cell membrane of the endothelium by GOMORI's and MÖLBERT's method from 12th day on. Under the electron microscope, lead phosphate precipitate is observed on the lateral and basal cell membrane as well as on the endoplasmic reticula of the endothelium cells. The activity of the alkaline phosphatase is most intense on 15th day during the DESCEMET's membrane formation.5. On the last day of the embryonal development, the thickness of the DESCEMET's membrane is about 450mμ, and it seems to consist of nodules of about 15mμ and less electron dense amorphous matrix. Nodular structure seems to be connected by fine filament of about 5mμ.
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