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The fine structure of the rabbit sclera with special reference to a peculiar structure in the fibroblast rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum

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Summary

In the albino rabbit the sclera is composed of (a) collagen fibrils arranged in fibers, (b) interposed elastic fibers and (c) fibroblasts. The diameter of collagen fibrils and fibers increases from the internal toward the external surface of the sclera. In the same direction the number of elastic fibers and fibroblasts decreases. A peculiar structure is found in the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of the fibroblasts in the innermost portions of the sclera. The nature of this structure is discussed.

Zusammenfassung

In der Sklera von Albino-Kaninchen finden sich (a) kollagene Fibrillen, die zu Fasern zusammengeschlossen sind, (b) dazwischen liegende elastische Fasern und (c) Fibroblasten. Der Durchmesser der kollagenen Fibrillen wie der Fasern nimmt von innen nach außen zu. In derselben Richtung sinkt die Zahl der elastischen Fasern und Fibroblasten. Die Cysternen des granulierten endoplasmatischen Retikulums der Fibroblasten, die in der innersten Zone der Sklera liegen, zeigen einen besonderen strukturierten Inhalt. Die Herkunft dieser Struktur wird diskutiert.

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This investigation was supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Training Grant SP 102/1 and by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., 598 Madison Avenue, New York N.Y. 10022.

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Spitznas, M., Luciano, L. & Reale, E. The fine structure of the rabbit sclera with special reference to a peculiar structure in the fibroblast rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Z. Zellforsch. 118, 439–448 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331196

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