title: Scanning and transmission electron microscope studies of the supraependymal neurons in the third ventricular wall of the Arctic lamprey, Lampetra japonica.
abstract: Scanning electron microscopy of the third ventricular wall of the arctic lamprey, Lampetra japonica, revealed the occurrence of supraependymal neurons in several regions of the ventricular surface. These neurons--as varicose fibers of various calibers--traversed among the cilia, microvilli, and bulbous protrusions of the ependymal surface. Occasionally synapse-like contact were found between these nerve fibers and the intraventricular processes of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting subependymal neurons in the hypothalamus. A possible function of the supraependymal neurons is discussed in relation to the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005399:Fishes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007798:Lampreys / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009474:Neurons / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure