Abstract
The rabbit retina Muller cell is formed by three portions. In the dilated inner portion, the cytoplasm has abundant microfilaments, a network of glucose-6-phosphatase-positive smooth-walled vesicles, numerous glycogen β -particles, and some acid phosphatase-positive dense bodies. The nucleated middle portion has fewer microfilaments and glycogen particles, a number of ergastoplasmic cisternae, and an acid phosphatase-positive Golgi complex. The outer portion has light cytoplasm with microtubules and no microfilaments, scarce glycogen particles, and mitochondria. The cell plasma membrane is thinner than that of retinal neurons; around both, intercellular spaces are filled by ruthenium-red reactive material. The Muller cell cytoplasm is pyroantimonate-reactive and rich in digitonin—cholesterol complexes. This and the abundance of microfilaments and glycogen in the two innermost portions suggest a basic astrocyte type of cell modified in the outer portion for absorption and transport of nutrients. Glucose is probably taken up here and stored in the inner portion to be used in anaerobic glycolysis. Secretion of exportable protein appears to occur in the middle portion.
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