title: Phagocytosis of latex microspheres by the epithelial cells of the guinea pig conjunctiva.
abstract: The capability of conjunctival epithelial cells to phagocytize particulate foreign matter was studied experimentally in the guinea pig. Perilimbal conjunctival epithelium was prepared for transmission electron microscopy by perfusion fixation 4 and 24 h after instillation of latex microspheres (0.79 mu in diameter) into the lower conjunctival  fornix. A varying number of microspheres were internalized by the superficial epithelial cells in both cases. The intracellular microspheres, single (at 4 and 24 h) or aggregated (only at 24 h), were always membrane-enclosed, corresponding to primary phagosomes. Some indications of secondary phagosomes were seen as well. In the 24 h specimens, microspheres were present also in the intermediate epithelial cells, implying a transfer from superficial to deeper cells. Thus, superficial as well as intermediate epithelial cells of the guinea pig conjunctiva are capable of active phagocytosis of inert particles.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007840:Latex; D008863:Microspheres; D010587:Phagocytosis
chemical_list: D007840:Latex