Light and electron microscopic studies of the rat hyalocyte after perfusion fixation

Abstract

The characteristic morphology of a not intentionally stimulated hyalocyte is described, using TEM and perfusion fixation. The best results were obtained by retrograde perfusion via the abdominal aorta with a glutaraldehyde- and formaldehyde-containing fixative. The cells, situated in the cortical area of the vitreous body, show mostly an indented nucleus, primary and secondary lysosomes, mitochondria, cisterna, clusters of free ribosomes and a Golgi apparatus. Bristle-coated micropinocytotic vesicles can also be distinguished and in some cells a centriole is visible. Sometimes the cells show many cytoplasmic protuberances. Morphologically the majority of those cells can be considered as resting macrophages.