Retinal epithelial fine structure in the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).

Abstract

As part of a comparative morphological study, the fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been studied by electron microscopy in the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an Australian marsupial. In this species, the RPE consists of a single layer of squamous cells which show numerous shallow basal (scleral) infoldings as well as extensive apical (vitreal) processes enclosing rod outer segments. The epithelial cells are joined laterally by prominent, apically-located tight junctions. Internally smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the most abundant cell organelle with only small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum present. Basally-located mitochondria and apically-located melanosomes are abundant while polysomes and the occasional Golgi zone are also noted. The epithelial cell nucleus is large and vesicular. Bruch's membrane shows the typical pentalaminate structure noted for mammalian species. The choriocapillaris is a single layer of anastomosing capillaries which are heavily fenestrated facing the retinal epithelium.