"Sunbursts" in the inner plexiform layer: a spectacular feature of Müller cells in the retina of the cat.
A previously unrecognised structure in the cat retina is described. Seen in Golgi-impregnated, wholemounted retinas, each such structure comprises processes radiating across the inner plexiform layer from a dense, vellate core. The processes are numerous, and largely unbranched, and give the impression of rays radiating from a point source; the structure is therefore termed a "sunburst." Evidence is presented from Golgi-impregnated retinas, and from retinas labelled with monoclonal antibodies to Müller cells, that the core of each sunburst is the inner process of a Müller cell. The sunbursts are numerous and overlap extensively, so that when neighbouring sunbursts are impregnated, they are seen to form a dense mat of processes extending across the IPL. It is suggested that each Müller cell forms a sunburst and that sunbursts form a major glial component of the neuropil of the inner plexiform layer.
Stone
J
J
Department of Anatomy, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Holländer
H
H
Dreher
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D002415:Cats / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D007382:Intermediate Filaments / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005136:Eye Proteins