STRUCTURE OF THE MACROGLIA OF THE RETINA - SHARING AND DIVISION-OF-LABOR BETWEEN ASTROCYTES AND MULLER CELLS

A detailed comparison is made between astrocytes and Muller cells of the cat's retina, with emphasis on their structural specialisations. Evidence is presented that astrocytes and Muller cells both contribute to the formation of the inner glia limitans of the retina, the glia limitans of vessels, and the glial sheaths of neurones. In particular, it was noted that both astrocytes and Muller cells wrap bundles of ganglion cells axons, that both contribute processes to the glial convergence on the initial segments and node-like structures of axons, and that both wrap the somas of neurones in the ganglion cell layer. Further, it was noted that adherent junctions form between astrocytes, between Muller cells, and between astrocytes and Muller cells, but not between these cells and neurones, or among neurones. These similarities suggest that astrocytes and Muller cells function interchangeably in many respects, and we suggest that they be regarded as variants of macroglia. Quantitative differences between astrocytes and Muller cells were noted in their ensheathment of neurones. In particular, the glial sheaths around the somas of ganglion cells are formed predominantly by Muller cells, and the glial processes attached to node-like specialisations of their axons are formed mainly by astrocytes. One qualitative difference was noted between the two cell classes. The gap junctions which form between astrocytes do not form between Muller cells or between cells of the two classes. From these differences, and previously established features of their shape, orientation, distribution and origin, a hypothesis is developed of the specialisation of macroglia represented by Muller cells.