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The fine structure of ependymal cells part II: An electron microscopic study of the soft-shelled turtle paraventricular organ, with special reference to the fine structure of ependymal cells and so-called albuminous substance

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Summary

The present study deals with the electron microscopic observations on the softshelled turtle paraventricular organ, with special reference to the relationship of the ependymal cells and the so-called albuminous substances. It is shown that the so-called albuminous substances consist of the tips of neuronal processes extending into the ventricular lumen. They probably arise from the nerve cells lying within the hypendymal or the underlying tissue. The ependymal cells of the PVO themselves are basically similar in structure to those of any other animal.

The processes observed contain two types of vesicles, namely: the clear vesicle, 500 to 1600 Å in diameter, and the cored vesicle, measuring 600 to 1500 Å in diameter, which has a distinct membrane enclosing an extremely dense core of variable sizes. The functional significance of these vesicles is discussed in relation to that of inclusions in the neurosecretory and the autonomic nerve fibers in the hypothalamus.

The findings indicate that in the terminal endings of the processes a production or formation of vesicles might occur and that these vesicles might be discharged into the cerebrospinal fluid by microapocrine secretion.

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  1. Department of Anatomy and Department of Neuropsychiatry Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

    Masashi Takeichi

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  1. Masashi Takeichi
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The author's grateful thanks are due to Prof. E. Yamada for his continuously kind guidances and due to Prof. T. Sakurai for his constant encouragement.

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Takeichi, M. The fine structure of ependymal cells part II: An electron microscopic study of the soft-shelled turtle paraventricular organ, with special reference to the fine structure of ependymal cells and so-called albuminous substance. Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 76, 471–485 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339749

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