ePrints

Tomographic reconstruction reveals the morphology of a unique cellular organelle, the aggregated macrotubules (Macrotubuli aggregati) of human retinal horizontal cells

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Robin Harris

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Horizontal cells of the human retina contain unique tubular organelles that have a diameter which is about 10 times larger than that of microtubules (similar to 230 nm). These macrotubuli in most cases form regular aggregates. Therefore we propose to introduce them as Macrotubuli aggregati in the Terminologia histologica. Tomographic investigation of the structures revealed that the walls of the tubules most probably consist of intermediate filaments running nearly parallel to each other and show somewhat regularly attached ribosomes on their inner and also outer surface. About 2% of the organelles exhibit double-to multiple layered walls and less than 1% resemble large scrolls. The tubules may extend 10 to over 20 pin in the cytoplasm and are also encountered in soma-near processes extending into the outer plexiform layer. It remains unclear why these structures are only present in humans and few other species and why almost only in horizontal cells. Speculations on possible functions are discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Jastrow H, Yarwood A, Majorovits E, Harris JR

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Tissue & Cell

Year: 2015

Volume: 47

Issue: 2

Pages: 186-197

Print publication date: 01/04/2015

Online publication date: 09/01/2015

Acceptance date: 19/12/2014

ISSN (print): 0040-8166

Publisher: Churchill Livingstone

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tice.2014.12.007

DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2014.12.007

Altmetrics

Share