Summary
Most of the subcommissural organ (SCO) cells are in contact with the ventricle of the brain as well as with the limiting membranes: the ependymal cells. They are able to release their aldehyde-fuchsin (AF) positive secretory substance directly into the ventricle. A small number of cells, which also contains AF positive material, is not in contact with the ventricle: the hypendymal cells.
The secretory substance in the cells is a mucopolysaccharide-protein complex, not containing strong acidic groups. It is released into the brain ventricle and condenses to a well-developed Reissner's fibre.
Energy production in the cells mainly takes place by means of anaerobic glycolysis. The metabolism is characteristic of synthesis and secretion of a mucopolysaccharide-protein complex. These functions can be accomplished in rather anaerobic conditions.
The cells contain two distinct compartments of endoplasmic reticulum, one regularly studded with ribosomes, situated perinuclearly and supranuclearly with the primary function of synthesizing and another, very irregularly studded with ribosomes, located mainly subnuclearly, with the primary function of storing secretory substance.
No signs of release of secretory material into blood vessels or at the outer limiting membrane have been observed.
Synaptic endings may be observed on the basal parts of the cells. Biogenic monoamines could not be demonstrated in the area of the SCO.
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The author thanks Prof. Dr. J. C. van de Kamer and Dr. F. C. G. van de Veerdonkfor their active interest and for critically reading the manuscript. He also is indebted to Miss Donata Fluitsma who provided technical assistance, to Mr. F. Dijk who prepared the electronmicrographs and to the students Miss Erica Pouwels, Miss Han van Cittert, Mr. M. H. Pranger and Mr. B. A. M. van der Zeyst who partly performed these investigations. Thanks are also due to the staff of the photographic department for their valuable assistance. Dr. L. Boomgaart was so kind to check and amend the English writing.
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Diederen, J.H.B. The subcommissural organ of Rana temporaria L.. Z. Zellforsch. 111, 379–403 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00342489
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00342489