Fine structure of the choroidal tapetum lucidum in the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus phillipi)

Abstract

The choroidally located tapetum lucidum of the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus phillipi) was examined by light and electron microscopy in light-adapted specimens. In this species the tapetum consists of a single layer of overlapping cells oriented at an angle of about 30 degrees to the incoming light and situated immediately external to the choriocapillaris. These tapetal cells alternate with and are separated from one another by melanocytes which extend beyond the tapetal cells to intervene between the tapetal cells and the incoming light. The tapetal cells and the melanocytes are flattened plate-like cells with their widest dimension facing the retina. Internally the tapetal cells display a peripherally located vesicular nucleus with most organelles in a paranuclear location. The bulk of a tapetal cell is packed with regularly spaced crystals reported to be guanine. The size and spacing of these reflective crystals is commensurate with the principles of constructive interference. In light adaptation, the melanosomes of the intervening melanocytes are widely dispersed and for the most part block the passage of light to the tapetal cells. Although dark-adapted specimens were not available, it seems reasonable to assume that in dark adaptation these melanosomes will retreat to unmask the tapetum and allow it to function as a known reflective layer.