Summary
The urethra of the rat was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
Under a transmission electron microscope flask-shaped chromaffin cells containing membrane-bound osmiophilic granules were seen to possess microvilli at their apical surfaces. The microvilli projected into large extracellular spaces which were apparently in continuity with the lumen of the urethra.
Using scanning electron microscopy, a surface view of the lumen of the urethra was obtained. It showed a gently undulating surface with distinct intercellular boundaries. Scattered over the surface were numerous deep depressions between individual cells. These were thought to correspond with the large extracellular spaces into which microvilli had been seen to project.
It is suggested that urethral chromaffin cells may “trigger” the afferent part of a reflex causing contraction of the urethral longitudinal muscle.
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References
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Ramsdale, D.R. Further observations on urethral chromaffin cells. Cell Tissue Res. 148, 499–504 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221934
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221934