The argyrophilic mosaic of the internal limiting membrane of the retina

Abstract

It has been known for many years that when the surface of the retina is stained with silver a characteristic mosaic pattern appears. Several authors have offered explanation for its origin but no unanimity of opinion exists. We have re-investigated this problem using the additional techniques of electron microscopy and staining with ruthenium red. We conclude that the argyrophilic mosaic pattern is due to the selective uptake of silver at the cell borders of the Müller and accessory glial cells. Viewed from the surface these silver lines are seen in depth and stand out in contrast to the lighter silver deposition on the internal limiting membrane. This intercellular pattern is closely comparable to that seen in silver staining of many cellular membranes. Positive staining with ruthenium red shows a similar distribution in the retina to that of silver; possible explanations for these findings are briefly considered.