Summary
The retina and pigment epithelium of the bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) were studied with the scanning electron microscope. Fixed-dehydrated tissues were critical point dried with CO2, then cracked in the plane of the long axis of the photoreceptors. The cellular layers of the retina and the lateral surfaces of pigment epithelial cells were visualized. The four major types of frog photoreceptor were identified: red rod, green rod, single cone, and double cone. Cone myoids were observed to be contracted in light-adapted retinas and elongated in more dark adapted retinas.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson, T.F.: Techniques for the preservation of three-dimensional structure in preparing specimens for the electron microscope. Trans. N.Y. Acad. Sci., Ser. II, 13, 130–134 (1951)
Hansson, H.-A.: Ultrastructure of the surface of the epithelial cells in the rat retina. Z. Zellforsch. 105, 242–251 (1970a)
Hansson, H.-A.: Scanning electron microscopy of the rat retina. Z. Zellforsch. 107, 23–44 (1970b)
Hansson, H.-A.: Scanning electron microscopic studies on the synaptic bodies in the rat retina. Z. Zellforsch. 107, 45–53 (1970c)
Lewis, E.R., Zeevi, Y.Y., Werblin, F.S.: Scanning electron microscopy of vertebrate visual receptors. Brain Res. 15, 559–562 (1969)
Nilsson, S.E.G.: An electron microscopic classification of the retinal receptors of the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). J. Ultrastruct. Res. 10, 390–416 (1964)
Nilsson, S.E.G.: The ultrastructure of the receptor outer segments in the retina of the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). J. Ultrastruct. Res. 12, 207–231 (1965)
Porter, K.R., Yamada, E.: Studies on the endoplasmic reticulum. V. Its form and differentiation in pigment epithelial cells of the frog retina. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 8, 181–205 (1960)
Smith, M.E., Finke, E.H.: Critical point drying of soft biological material for the scanning electron microscope. Invest. Ophthal. 11, 127–132 (1972)
Walls, G.L.: The vertebrate eye. New York: Hafner 1963
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by a career development award EY-18,083 to the author and research grant EY 00468 to Dr. Kenneth T. Brown.
The author gratefully acknowledges the skillful technical assistance of Ms. Maria T. Maglio.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Steinberg, R.H. Scanning electron microscopy of the bullfrog's retina and pigment epithelium. Z.Zellforsch 143, 451–463 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306765
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306765