Developemnt of the human optic disc: light microscopy.

Human embryonic and fetal optic discs were studied in semi thin sections stained with silver and toned with gold, in a series ranging from 7 to 21 weeks of gestation. The observations suggest that Bergmeister's papilla forms by proliferation of glial cells in the optic disc rather than by sequestration of retinal glia by axons growing through the region. A possible stimulus for such a glial proliferation is hypothesized to be traction on the anterior face of the disc exerted through the primary vitreous. The formation of the glial sheath of the hyaloid artery also appears to be a consequence of traction from the primary vitreous.

On the development of the cerebellum of the trout, Salmo gairdneri. V. Neuroglial cells and their development.

The neuroglia of the cerebellum of Salmo gairdneri Richardson, 1836, has been studied in mature and developing specimens with light and electron microscopy. The light microscopic observations were largely carried out on Golgi material. The cerebellum of the trout contains all of the neurologlial cell types described for the mammalian cerebellum, viz. ependymal cells, Golgi epithelial cells, velate protoplasmic astrocytes, smooth protoplasmic astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In addition two types of glial elements, which combine characteristics of ependymal cells and of velate astrocytes, are found. These elements are designated as ependymoid astrocytes and astrocytoid ependymal cells. Smooth astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were observed only in later stages of development and possibly arise from the secondary matrix. The other glial cell types, as well as transitional forms between these types, are present in rather early stages, and show a similar ultrastructure. It is plausible that all these types develop from the glioblasts produced by the ventricular matrix layer. Many glial cells are radially oriented and keep in contact with the meningeal surface throughout development. The lattice formed by matrix cells in the earliest stages, and by glial cells and the axons of granule cells later on, plays a role in directing the migration of cells. Other functions of the glia, such as dividing the cerebellar cortex in synaptic compartments, are suggested. It may be concluded that the high degree of differentiation of the teleostean cerebellum is also reflected by the morphology of the neuroglia.

[Ultrastructure of the hypophysiotropic region of the hypothalamus in early ontogenesis in rats]. / Ul'trastuktura gipofiziotropnoi oblasti gipotalamusa v rannem ontogeneze krysy

The results of electron microscopic studies have shown that the 16--18 days old rat embryos already have in the hypophysiotropic area some structures necessary for the realization of neuroendocrine regulations. In the arcuate nuclei, the neurosecretory cells differentiate which are capable to synthesize specific neurosecretory granules of 800--1,000 A in diameter. In the median eminence, the primary portal capillaries develop with which tanicytes and a few axon terminals make contact. One can see in the tanicytes the signs of active transport and accumulation of electron dense polymorphic material. All these phenomena are strengthen during the subsequent development. Hence, several days are before birth the neurosecretory and glial elements of the embryos show the signs of functional activity which strengthen during ontogenesis and are expressed most distinctly in the adult animals.