An epidermal proliferative unit-like structure in the epithelium of mouse bladder observed by backscattered electron imaging.
The simultaneous use of a silver-staining technique, backscattered electron imaging and stereo-tilts has made it possible to visualize the spatial distribution of cell nuclei in the stretched epithelium of the bladder of mice. This study has led to the observation that a structural organization resembling the epidermal proliferative unit, previously found in the skin exists also in bladder epithelium. However, the proliferative unit in the bladder was different in that it contained a higher number of cells per unit, and an absence of columns of inactive squamous cells. These findings may indicate that epidermal proliferative unit-like structures represent a common form of organization in some epithelia.
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D004583:Electrons; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure