Ultrastructure and immunocytochemistry of rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts in vitro.
The ultrastructure of dissociated rat sciatic nerve Schwann cells and fibroblasts has been examined and correlated at the morphologic and immunocytochemical levels. In agreement with previous studies, the two cell types were readily distinguishable morphologically on the basis of cell shape and size but no unique structural feature could be found. Schwann cells in this system essentially lacked basal laminae but did show some membrane specializations reminiscent of the in vivo situation. Fibroblasts were exceedingly rich in actin webs beneath the plasmalemma. Immunocytochemically, only Schwann cells stained with anti-Ran-1 antisera and fibroblasts only with anti-Thy-1. Both staining patterns were exclusively associated with the surface membrane. The findings provide a basis for future studies with this system to which neuronal elements may be added in an attempt to initiate myelinative events.
D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008853:Microscopy; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000166:cytology; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens