The ventricular system in neuroendocrine mechanisms. III. Supraependymal neuronal networks in the primate brain.
This investigation has utilized a correlative scanning-transmission electron microscopic technique in the analysis of the primate cerebral ventricular system. This approach has demonstrated a complex network of supraependymal cellular elements upon the walls of the third cerebral ventricle in direct contact with the ventricular lumen. Type I neuronal-like cells and type II histiocytic-like cells with potential phagocytic capabilities have been observed in large numbers throughout the third ventricle. Type I neuron-like cells are discussed in the context that they may represent a population of receptor-cells which serve to assess ambient changes in the composition of bioactive peptides in the cerebrospinal fluid and may serve as a  supraependymal network that integrates the endocrine hypothalamus with other circumventricular organs which may also be sites of neuroendocrine transduction.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D004805:Ependyma / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000882:Haplorhini; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure