An ultrastructural study of ependymal cell differentiation during lizard (Gallotia galloti) midbrain development

Ependymal cell differentiation was examined in the lizard Gallotia galloti from E31 to adult. From E31 to E34 only one type of cell could be identified making up the pseudostratified columnar neuroepithelium but by E35 to E37 three types of ependymal cell were present. The first type was a narrow, elongated, columnar cell containing rough endoplasmic reticulum filled with an amorphous ground substance similar to that of astrocytes. The second type was broader with the nucleus close to the ventricular surface with numerous lipid droplets of varying sizes in the cytoplasm. The third type had an irregularly shaped apical nucleus and a broad basal process probably extending to the pial surface. The process contained numerous microtubules, glycogen granules and a few filaments. From E38 to hatching the ependyma showed marked regional variation. Much of it was formed by a single layer of moderately dark cuboidal cells but parts were made up of a low columnar epithelium in which the cells had elongated nuclei, frequently indented on the ventricular side. Cilia were common and often cells had cytoplasmic protrusions into the ventricle. Lipid was present in the form of small apical droplets or a large basal droplet. Ependymal cells in the region of the sulcus limitans were packed with lipid as were cells of the adjacent subventricular layer. In the adult the ependymal lining varied from cuboidal to low columnar with nuclear chromatin usually arranged in a reticulated pattern. Two types of ependymal process extending to the pia could be identified. One type was packed with microfilaments whilst the other contained a core of microtubules and scattered glycogen granules. Lipid was still present in the cells of the sulcus limitans.