Fine structure of the retinal epithelium of the spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops).

Abstract

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium, Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaries has been studied by electron microscopy in the spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops). The retinal epithelium throughout most of the retina is morphologically very typical of that described for other vertebrates. This typical appearance involves a single layer of pigmented cuboidal cells with extensive basal (scleral) infoldings and numerous apical (vitreal) processes enclosing photoreceptor outer segments. A semicircular area of the retinal epithelium in the superior fundus is, however, further specialized as a tapetum lucidum. The reflecting material consists of a large array of guanine, diffusely scattered within the epithelial cells. Centrally in the tapetal area, no melanosomes are found, indicating a non-occlusible tapetum. At the edge of the tapetum, however, both guanine crystals and melanosomes are found within the epithelial cells. In most other respects, the morphology of the epithelial layer in the tapetal region is not strikingly different from that in the non-tapetal area. Bruch's membrane everywhere displays the typical pentalaminate structure described for most vertebrates. The choriocapillaris is also typical in that numerous fenestrations are present in the endothelium bordering Bruch's membrane.