Light & electron microscopic structure of choroid plexus in hydrocephalic guinea pig

With a view to study the morphological changes, if any, in the choroid plexus in association with hydrocephalus, obstructive hydrocephalus was created in 15 young guinea pigs. The choroid plexus of the control group (n = 16) showed high cuboidal or columnar epithelium. The mitochondria of the choroid plexus ependyma converged towards the apex. Varying concentrations of Golgi complex and rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were noticed in the apical part of the epithelium. Subsurface cistern-like structures and occasional formation of vesicles from the adjacent cells of the epithelium were observed. Basolateral infoldings were numerous and compactly arranged. Most capillaries had their fenestrated part facing the base of the epithelium. Choroid plexus of hydrocephalic guinea pigs showed flattened epithelial cells with less extensive Golgi complex and RER. Mitochondria were found lying parallel to the flattened nucleus. Intercellular spaces were dilated with loosely packed basolateral infoldings. Most of the features observed in the hydrocephalic guinea pig are indicative of reduced activity of the choroid plexus epithelium.