Complexus Basalis Research Articles

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) was investigated by using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In this species, the RPE consisted of a single layer of low columnar cells. The epithelial cells were joined laterally by two type junctions, zonulae occludentes and zonulae adherentes located in the midregion of the cells. These cells displayed numerous deep basal infoldings and thick extensive apical processes, which enclosed the outer segments of the rods. The epithelial cell nuclei were large, vesicular and located basally within the epithelial cells. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum was very abundant, while rough endoplasmic reticulum was scarce. Mitochondria of various shapes were abundant basally while polysomes were plentiful and widespread. In the light-adapted state melanosomes were located in the apical region and in apical processes of the epithelial cells. Myeloid bodies were large, numerous and often showed ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) was typical pentalaminate throughout the retina, as noted in the majority of other vertebrates. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris facing Bruch's membrane was extremely thin but only moderately fenestrated. Some of the fenestrations displayed a double-layered diaphragm while the majority showed the more typical single-layered diaphragm noted in most species.

Fine Structure of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Bruch's Membrane and Choriocapillaris in the Camel

The morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and closely associated Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy in the camel (Camelus dromedarius). The study showed that RPE is composed of a single layer of hexanocuboidal cells that were joined laterally by a series of apically located tight junctions. In addition, adjacent from internal side of cell membrane at the level of tight junctions, an undefined structure which resembled the myofibrillar organization of skeletal muscles in appearance was located. These cells displayed numerous short basal infoldings and abundant thin apical processes which enclosed the rod outer segments. The epithelial cell nuclei were large, vesicular and eccentrically located. Within the epithelial cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum was very abundant, while rough endoplasmic reticulum was present only in small amounts. Polysomes were also numerous and the mitochondria often displayed a ring-shaped structure. Lipofuscin granules were plentiful in all locations. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) was typically pentalaminate throughout the retina. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris facing Bruch's membrane was extremely thin and heavily fenestrated. These fenestrations displayed typical single-layered diaphragm as noted in most species.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium of Oreochromis niloticus L. (Cichlidae; Teleostei) in light- and-dark adaptation.

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the cichlid Oreochromis niloticus was investigated in both light- and dark-adaptation. The eyes of four light-adapted and from four dark-adapted O. niloticus were fixed routinely for light and transmission electron microscopy. The RPE consisted of a single layer of columnar cells showing minimal basal infolding but plentiful apical processes that in light-adaptation interdigitated with the photoreceptor outer segments. The epithelial cells were joined by a series of basally-located tight junctions. These cells showed a large vesicular nucleus, plentiful smooth endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes, but only small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Phagosomes, lysosome-like bodies, lipid droplets, and myeloid bodies were observed. The choriocapillaris was a single layer of large-caliber capillaries, and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) was a trilaminate structure typical of teleosts. The RPE melanosomes moved basally (sclerally) in dark-adaptation and apically (vitreally) during light-adaptation. Other morphological features which changed at least to some degree during retinomotor responses were: the location of the RPE nucleus; the location and electron density of the mitochondria; and the location, number, and size of the myeloid bodies. A number of unique morphological changes take place within the RPE cells of this species during the circadian cycle in addition to the movement of melanosomes characterized in other vertebrates.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium (RPE) of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

As part of an ongoing comparative fine structural study, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and complexus basalis (Bruch's membrane) in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) have been investigated by light and electron microscopy. The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined basally by a series of tight junctions. Basally (sclerally) the RPE cells display numerous deep infoldings while apically (vitreally) plentiful microvillar processes interdigitate with the photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the epithelial cells show a large vesicular nucleus, plentiful smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and numerous polysomes, but very little rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Numerous pleomorphic mitochondria are predominantly basally located. In the light-adapted specimens studied, the melanosomes of the RPE are almost exclusively located within the apical processes of these cells. Phagosomes and lysosome-like bodies are also present, as are myeloid bodies which often display ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is typical of avian species in that it is pentalaminate and the central lamina densa is displaced towards the choriocapillaris. The choriocapillaris endothelium is attenuated but only minimally fenestrated facing Bruch's membrane. Most of these fenestrations show a single-layered diaphragm but fenestrations with a double-layered diaphragm are not uncommon.

Retinal pigment epithelial fine structure in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos).

The fine structure of the retinal epithelial (RPE) region has been investigated by light and electron microscopy in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). In this species the RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells which display numerous deep basal (scleral) infoldings and plentiful apical (vitreal) microvillar processes which surround photoreceptor inner and outer segments. The RPE cells are joined laterally by a series of tight junctions (Verhoeff's membrane) located in the mid to basal region. Within the epithelial cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum is very abundant while rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is scarce. Mitochondria of various shapes are abundant basally while polysomes are plentiful and widespread. In the light-adapted state RPE nuclei are large and vesicular and basally located while the melanosomes of these cells are predominantly located with the apical processes indicating photomechanical movements. Myeloid bodies are large and numerous and often have ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is typical of avian species in that it is pentalaminate and the lamina densa is displaced near the choriocapillaris. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is thin facing Bruch's membrane but is only moderately fenestrated. Some of these fenestrations display a double-layered diaphragm while the majority show the more typical single-layered diaphragm noted in most species.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium in the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus phillipi)

The structure of the retinal epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus phillipi). In this elasmobranch the RPE consists of a single layer of low cuboidal cells which show basal (scleral) infolding and apical (vitreal) processes that enclose photoreceptor outer segments. Laterally these epithelial cells are joined by a series of apically located tight junctions. The RPE cells display a large vesicular nucleus, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum as well as numerous polysomes and mitochondria. Phagosomes are present, rough endoplasmic reticulum is scarce and myeloid bodies were not observed. Melanosomes are absent over the choroidally located tapetum lucidum, but are not abundant even in extratapetal areas. This paucity of melanosomes probably makes retinomotor movements unimportant. Bruch's membrane or complexus basalis is a pentalaminate structure. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is thin but minimally fenestrated.

Retinal Pigment Epithelial Fine Structure in the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the great blue heron (Ardea herodias). In this species the RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells which display numerous basal (scleral) infoldings and plentiful apical (vitreal) processes which surround photoreceptor outer segments. These epithelial cells are joined laterally by a series of tight junctions located in the mid to basal region. Within the epithelial cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum is very abundant while rough ER is not. Mitochondria (some of which are ring-shaped) and polysomes are abundant. In light-adaptation the RPE nuclei are large vesicular and basally located while the melanosomes of these cells are almost exclusively located within the apical processes. Myeloid bodies are large and numerous and often show ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) shows the typical pentalaminate structure noted in the majority of vertebrates except teleosts. The choriocapillary endothelium is very thin facing Bruch's membrane but is only moderately fenestrated. The majority of these fenestrations show a single-layered diaphragm but double-layered diaphragms are also noted.

Retinal pigment epithelial fine structure in the velvet cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)

The morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) have been studied by light and electron microscopy in the velvet cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus). The RPE is composed of a single layer of large columnar cells. The basal (scleral) border of these cells is minimally infolded, whereas the apical (vitreal) surface displays numerous pigment-laden processes which in light-adaptation surround both rod and cone outer segments. Laterally the RPE cells are joined by a series of basally located tight junctions. Wandering phagocytes are a constant feature within this epithelial membrane. The RPE cells display a large, vesicular nucleus, numerous mitochondria, much smooth endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes, myeloid bodies, phagosomes and melanosomes. Rough endoplasmic reticulum is relatively scarce within these cells. Although only light-adapted specimens were examined, it is thought that the melanosomes are capable of extensive retinomotor movement. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris facing Bruch's membrane is typically very thin but shows few fenestrations. Bruch's membrane is typical of other teleost species in that it is composed of only three layers.

Retinal pigment epithelial fine structure in the red-tailed hawk (Buto jamaicensis).

As part of a comparative morphological study, the fine structure of the retinal epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by electron microscopy in the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). In this species the RPE consists of a single layer of low cuboidal cells which display numerous basal (scleral) infoldings and extensive apical (vitreal) processes which interdigitate with photoreceptor outer segments. These epithelial cells are joined laterally by a series of basally located tight junctions. Internally SER is the most abundant cell organelle while only small amounts of RER are present. Polysomes are however abundant as are mitochondria. The RPE cell nucleus is large and vesicular. Melanosomes are mainly located in the apical processes of the RPE cells in light-adaptation. Myeloid bodies are large and numerous in light-adaptation and often show ribosomes on their outer border. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) shows the typical pentalaminate structure noted in most vertebrates but with only a poorly defined central elastic layer. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is very thin facing the RPE but is only moderately fenestrated. The choriocapillaris in this species is unusual however in that many of the fenestrae show a double-layered diaphragm.

Comparative histogenesis of Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis)

We documented the comparative histogenesis and timing of development of Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) in five mammalian models with different lengths of gestation. Retinas with attached choroid from the central posterior pole of the eye were obtained from hamster, vole, rabbit, ferret and cat, from mid-gestation onward until the time at which all components of Bruch's membrane could be detected. The sequence of events in the development of Bruch's membrane was similar among species, however the time of appearance of the components varied. At mid-gestation, the basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was present to some degree in all species and microfibrils were developing in the connective tissue space external to the RPE basement membrane. The appearance of an initially scant endothelial basement membrane around the choriocapillaries occurred on post-natal (P) day 1 (P1) in hamster, pre-natal (E) day 20 (E20) in vole, E16 in rabbit, P2 in ferret, and E48 in cat. Among the microfibrils within the connective tissue space external to the RPE, electron-dense islands presumed to be elastin were detected on P7 in hamster, P9 in vole, E24 in rabbit, P19 in ferret, and P1 in cat. Relative to birth date and eye opening, the components of Bruch's membrane in the ferret were detected at a later date than that of the other species studied. However, relative to the interval from conception to the appearance of the components of Bruch's membrane, the ferret and cat are similar, paralleling their similar intervals from conception to eye opening.

Retinal Epithelial Fine Structure in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

The morphology of the retinal epithelium (RPE) and closely associated choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been investigated in the eye of the domestic cat (felis catus) by light and electron microscopy. The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by apically-located junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings while apically (vitreally) two distinct types of processes enclose photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the large vesicular nucleus is centrally located. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, polysomes and lysosome-like bodies are abundant. Rough endoplasmic reticulum while present is not plentiful. Over the tapetum lucidum, melanosomes are absent from the RPE cells while in non-tapetal locations melanosomes are large and plentiful. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is highly fenestrated and these capillaries are deeply indented into the epithelial layer over the tapetum. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is non-tapetal regions is the typical pentalaminate structure noted for most mammals. Over the tapetum however it is reduced to a trilaminate structure and when associated with the indented capillary profiles is further reduced to a single thickened basal lamina.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium, Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris of the pigeon (Columba livia)

As part of a comparative morphological study, the fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium, the choriocapillaris, and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the pigeon (Columba livia). In this species the retinal pigment epithelium consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells, which show numerous very deep basal (scleral) infoldings and extensive apical (vitreal) processes enclosing photoreceptor outer segments. These epithelial cells are joined laterally by prominent basally located tight junctions. Internally, smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the most abundant cell organelle with only small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum present. Polysomes are abundant as are mitochondria, which often display a ring-shaped structure. The cell nucleus is large and vesicular. Melanosomes are plentiful in both the apical region of the cell body and within the apical process in the light-adapted condition. Myeloid bodies are large and numerous and very often have ribosomes on their outer border. Bruch's membrane shows a pentalaminate structure but with only a poorly represented central elastic lamina. Profiles of the choriocapillaris are relatively small and not overly abundant. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris, while extremely thin facing the retinal epithelium, is but minimally fenestrated.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium and tapetum lucidum of the ranch mink Mustela vison.

The morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis), choriocapillaris and tapetum lucidum has been studied in the eye of the ranch mink (Mustela vison) by light and electron microscopy. The RPE is composed of a single layer of cells joined laterally by apically located junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings whereas apically (vitreally) two types of processes are associated with rod and cone outer segments. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are abundant in these cells whereas rough endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes, although present, are not plentiful. An occasional wandering phagocyte is noted at the RPE-photoreceptor interface. In the posterosuperior part of the fundus, a degenerative tapetum lucidum is present. The presence of only a few layers of tapetal cells containing but little reflective material and the haphazard arrangement of this material makes it very unlikely that this area functions as an effective tapetum lucidum. The RPE over the aberrant tapetum, however, shows the morphology that is seen when a functioning tapetum cellulosum is present, namely the absence of melanosomes and an indented choriocapillaris. Bruch's membrane in non-tapetal areas is pentalaminate but, over the tapetum and where it is associated with capillary profiles, it is reduced to a single, thickened basal lamina. The choriocapillary endothelium is highly fenestrated and in nontapetal areas these capillaries are not indented into the epithelial layer.

Fine Structure of the Choriocapillaris, Bruch's Membrane and Retinal Epithelium of the Cow

SummaryThe fine structure of the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and retinal epithelium was investigated in both the tapetal and non‐tapetal fundus of the bovine eye. In ail locations the retinal epithelium consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells. The epithelial cells are joined laterally by apically located tight junctions and throughout the retina display numerous basal infoldings and fine apical processes which enclose rod outer segments. All retinal epithelial cells are rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and contain phagosomes. Although not as abundant, profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes are also noted in all locations. In non‐tapetal areas, melano‐somes are numerous whereas over the central tapetum fibrosum they are absent. The absence of melanosomes over a functional tapetum is to be expected. While lysosomes are present throughout the epithelial layer, over the tapetal region they appear to be more numerous. The apparent increase in lysosomal numbers in this location may indicate an enhanced shedding of outer segment material over the tapetum. Although some retinal epithelial cells are modified to accomodate a tapetum lucidum their morphology is basically similar throughout the retina and probably indicates that ail regions of the retinal epithelium are capable of the normal functions of this indispensible retinal layer. The choriocapillaris is heavily fenestrated on the border facing the retina and overlying the tapetum also displays fenestrae on its choroidal edge. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is pentalaminate throughout the retina and is slightly thicker in the posterior fundus.

Retinal epithelial fine structure in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).

The morphology of the retinal epithelium and the closely associated choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been investigated in the eye of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) by electron microscopy. The retinal epithelium is composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by apically-located junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings while apically (vitreally) abundant processes enclose rod outer segments. Internally the large vesicular nucleus is centrally located. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and lysosome-like bodies are abundant. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes while present are not plentiful. Phagosomes of outer-segment discs are only occasionally noted in the light-adapted state. As the entire fundus is overlain with a choroidally located tapetum cellulosum, only at the extreme periphery is an occasional melanosome present in these epithelial cells. The choriocapillaris endothelium is highly fenestrated and the profiles of these capillaries are deeply indented into the epithelial layer. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is reduced to a trilaminate structure rather than the typical pentalaminate membrane seen in most mammalian species and when associated with capillary profiles is further reduced to a single thick basal lamina.

Retinal pigment epithelial fine structure in the nighthawk (Chordeiles minor).

The retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer of a nocturnally active bird, the nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), has been investigated by electron microscopy. This layer is composed of a single layer of low cuboidal cells joined laterally by tight junctions. Basally (sclerally), the epithelial cells display deep infoldings while apically (vitreally) numerous processes enclose photoreceptor outer segments. Internally, the nucleus is large, vesicular and basally located. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are abundant. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is scarce but numerous polysomes are present. Myeloid bodies are widespread and often appear to be continuous with the RER membranes. Phagosomes of outer segment material are present but not numerous in the light-adapted condition. Large spindle-shaped melanosomes as well as numerous rounded tapetal spheres are present in the apical region and apical processes of the epithelial cells. The composition of the reflective tapetal spheres is unknown. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) in most locations displays a pentalaminate appearance while in some regions it is trilaminate. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris facing Bruch's membrane is extremely thin but only sparsely fenestrated.