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The connective tissue elements of the mammalian nodose ganglion

An electron microscope study

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Summary

The results of an electron microscope study of ganglionic connective tissue are reported (rabbit, rat and guinea pig nodose ganglia). The perineurium is about 30 μ thick, with more than a dozen cellular laminae enclosed within thick basement membranes. Hemidesmosome-like specializations are found at both surfaces of the cells, caveolae and micropinocytotic vesicles are prominent, and tight junctions are found along intercellular contact zones. Irregular collagen bundles, occasional fibroblasts and blood vessels lie between the laminae and collagen is sometimes found between the basement membrane and plasma membrane of the cells. Large diameter epineurial collagen (800–1,100 Å) abuts directly onto the outermost perineurial lamina. The endoneurium is extensively compartmentalized by thin perineurial sheets which relate to the functional organization of the ganglion, separating nerve fibre bundles from cell bodies and also groups of neurons with different peripheral connections. Perineurial sleeves around endoneurial blood vessels are sometimes found. Microfibrils (100–125 Å), with a tubular appearance in cross section are found in the epineurium, perineurium and endoneurium: elastic fibres only in the capsule. Microfibrils and collagen are particularly prominent in guinea pig endoneurium.

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  1. Department of Anatomy, University College London, Gower Street, W. C. 1, London

    A. R. Lieberman

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I would like to thank Professor J. Z. Young F.R.S. and Professor E. G. Gray for helpful advice and criticism, Dr. P. K. Thomas for critical reading and discussion of the manuscript, Miss P. Daspher for help with the light microscope preparations and Mr. S. Waterman for photography.

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Lieberman, A.R. The connective tissue elements of the mammalian nodose ganglion. Z. Zellforsch. 89, 95–111 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00332655

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