Correlative scanning and transmission electron microscopic study on the ependymal surface of Bradypus tridactylus.

Topographical variations of the ependymal surface of the whole brain ventricular system of Bradypus tridactylus were studied at the scanning electron microscope after CO2 critical point drying and carbon-gold coating. Certain selected areas were also studied at the transmission electron microscope, following standard technical procedures. We observed distinct patterns in the distribution of cilia, microvilli and supraependymal structures (nerve-like and fibrous astrocyte fibers), and also a small number of blebs. It the lateral transition zone between the floor and roof of the lateral ventricle were found interconnected stellate bulgings measuring an average 98 x 190 microns, constituted by a complex meshwork of processes from fibrous astrocytes, without ependymal lining and with few cell bodies. In the junction between these formations and the underlying neuropil, ciliated ependymal-cell-like glial cells were found to delimit complex labyrinthic spaces. Based on the morphological findings, morpho-functional considerations are made.