Ultrastructure and organization of circumventricular organs and endolymphatic tubules in the treefrog, Hyla versicolor.

The morphology and anatomical relationship of the paraphysis, anterior choroid plexus, and endolymphatic tubules of Hyla versicolor suggest that these structures may act as a functional unit to regulate composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Ependymal cells of both the paraphysis and the choroid plexus exhibit ultrastructural features (an extensive microvillar border, large intercellular spaces containing an amorphous material, and apically located mitochondria) which indicate active exchange between the blood and CSF. Mast cells (which may play a role in regulating vascular permeability) also occur on the brush border. The tubules of the endolymphatic sacs were found to lie in close relation with the dorsal portion of the paraphysis. The endolymphatic organ is known to play a role in systemic buffering during respiratory acidosis and may influence Na/K fluxes via calcium release. The association of the paraphysis with the endolymphatic tubules may therefore represent an important mechanism for ion regulation in the CSF of amphibians. The ultrastructure of the pineal organ agrees with descriptions for other species. No pineal stalk was present. Photoreceptor inner and outer segments project into a central lumen continuous with the third ventricle. Outer segments show signs of disorganization. Photoreceptor/neural dendrite contacts involve synaptic ribbons and conventional synapses.