[A study of the retinal pigmentary epithelium in vitro (author's transl)].

The different phases of phagocytosis by retinal pigment epithelium in vitro were studied by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Organotypical and histiotypical cells were stimulated by polystyrene microspheres in the presence of inhibitors of microfilament contraction (cytochalasine B) and cellular translocation (colchicine). The possible function of microfilaments and microtubules during the phagocytosis is briefly discussed.