Abstract
The classical description of the neural elements that compose the lining of brain ventricles introduces us to the single layer of ependymal cells. However, new findings, especially in the lateral ventricle (LV)—the major niche for the generation of new neurons in the adult brain—have provided information about additional cell elements that influence the organization of this part of the ventricular system and produce important contributions to neurogenesis. To complement the cell neurochemistry findings, we present a three-dimensional in situ description that demonstrates the anatomical details of the different types of ciliated cells and the innervation of these elements. After processing adult rat brains for ultrastructural analysis by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy, we observed a heterogeneous pattern of cilia distribution at the different poles of the LV surface. Furthermore, we describe the particular three-dimensional aspects of the ciliated cells of the LV, in addition the fiber bundles and varicose axons surrounding these cells. Therefore, we provide a unique ultrastructural description of the three-dimensional in situ organization of the LV surface, highlighting its innervation, to corroborate the available neurochemical and functional findings regarding the factors that regulate this neurogenic niche.
Highlights
The canonical description of the lining of brain ventricles emphasizes a particular class of supporting cells in the central nervous system that are arranged to form a single and continuous layer of multiciliated cells: the ependymal cells (Mitro and Palkovits, 1981; Bruni et al, 1985)
The heterogeneity in the cellular composition of the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) was exclusively found at the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle (LV), and included the classic chain of migratory cells located adjacent to the blood vessels (Figures 1B,C)
The parenchyma of the medial wall of the LV lacked the typical pattern of cells described for the lateral V-SVZ (Figure 1D)
Summary
The canonical description of the lining of brain ventricles emphasizes a particular class of supporting cells in the central nervous system that are arranged to form a single and continuous layer of multiciliated cells: the ependymal cells (Mitro and Palkovits, 1981; Bruni et al, 1985). The neural elements at the lateral wall and rostral part of V-SVZ have been shown to influence the anatomical organization of this region into neurogenic spots These areas contain: (i) biciliated ependymal cells (E2 cells) that have two motile cilia, as opposed to the classic multiciliated ependymal cells; and (ii) astrocytes (B1 cells), which act as primary neural progenitors and are characterized by a soma that can be found in the core of a pinwheel-like arrangement of ependymal cells and E2 cells. From this position, B1 cells can reach the LVs via a single cilium projecting from their apical surface (Doetsch et al, 1997; Mirzadeh et al, 2008, 2010a). At least three different cell types comprise the lining of the lateral wall of LVs
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