Abstract
The fine structure of the lateral choroid plexus in vitamin A deficient hydrocephalic New Zealand white rabbits was observed with light and electron microscopy. A vitamin A deficient diet was fed to all rabbits, but controls in addition received 12,500 I. U. of vitamin A powder weekly. The offspring of does thus maintained were studied. The rabbits were decapitated; the left lateral choroid plexus was exposed, and subjected to the fixative within 90 seconds. Conventional techniques of fixation, embedding, and sectioning were employed. Suitable sections were carbon-filmed after being placed upon copper grids and viewed with a modernized RCA EMU-2A electron microscope. Light microscopy disclosed blood extravasation in the choroid plexus of the hydrocephalic rabbits. In addition, the electron microscope revealed the following: 1. weakened areas between endothelial cells comprising the capillaries with platelet thrombi often associated, 2. “free” red and white blood cells, thrombocytes, and precipitated plasma proteins located in the subarachnoid space, 3. large cisternae between the plasma membranes of the “stretched” ependymal cells, 4. an apparent increase in the number of parallel and whorled forms of endoplasmic reticulum, and 5. an apparent increase in inclusion bodies associated with the arrays of endoplasmic reticulum. A hypothesis is set forth concerning the production of hydrocephalus in vitamin A deficiency.
Published Version
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