Electron microscopy of the medial cortex in the lizard Psammodromus algirus

Abstract

The medial cortex of Psammodromus presents a three-layer organization. Most of the cell bodies are localized in a compact lamina, the cellular layer. Two plexiform layers, superficial and deep, enclose the cellular layer. The most external portion of the superficial plexiform layer is formed by a limiting glial sheet consisting of tanycytic processes that reach the surface of the cortex. Astrocytes are localized close to the glial sheet. There are two types of axon terminals within the superficial plexiform layer: type S with spheric vesicles and type F with pleomorphic vesicles. Large solitary neurons are present at middle levels of the layer. In the cellular layer there are three neuronal types: large neurons with dispersed chromatin, neurons of medium size with chromatin clumps, and electron-dense neurons. Protoplasmic astrocytes are found superficially in this layer. In the deep plexiform layer numerous neuronal cell bodies are visible, and three types can be distinguished: horizontal fusiform cells, globous neurons with indented nuclei, and electron-dense neurons. Protoplasmic astrocytes are present throughout this layer. Oligodendrocytes are more frequent in the inner third of the layer, often related to fibers of a thick fascicle running in contact with the ependyma, the alveus. The ependyma is formed by a single row of prismatic cells bordering the lateral ventricle.