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Surface-associated vesicles in retinal arterioles and venules.
Cell and Tissue Research
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Surface vesicles in retinal blood vessels are invaginations of cell membranes, not involved in protein transport. These findings suggest roles in cell contractility rather than pinocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Surface-associated vesicles in retinal microvasculature are poorly understood.
- Their role in transport and cellular function requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and function of surface vesicles in retinal arterioles and venules.
- To determine if these vesicles are involved in protein transcytosis or endocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Fixation of retinal vessels using glutaraldehyde-tannic acid.
- Intravitreal injection of peroxidase or lactoperoxidase.
- Electron microscopy to visualize vesicle morphology and labeling.
Main Results:
- Vesicles concentrated on the abluminal surface of endothelial cells and plasma membranes of smooth muscle cells and pericytes.
- Vesicles showed continuity with the plasma membrane in perpendicular sections.
- Tannic acid and heme-proteins labeled all observed vesicles.
Conclusions:
- Surface vesicles in retinal vascular cells are likely plasma membrane invaginations.
- They are probably not involved in protein transcytosis or endocytosis.
- Vesicles in smooth muscle cells and pericytes may relate to cell contractility.