Supraependymal neurons overlying the periventricular region of the third ventricle of the guinea pig: a correlative scanning--transmission electron microscopic study.

The frequency of occurrence, distribution and morphology of supraependymal neurons associated with the third ventricular wall of the guinea pig were investigated by correlative scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Each of the specimens was located on the ciliated ventricular wall between the inferior border of the thalamus and the non-ciliated ependyma associated with the median eminence. Prominent clusters of neuronal perikaria in association with massive process bundles were observed in 7 of the 31 specimens examined. In those specimens lacking prominent neuronal networks a more diffuse array of independent nerve fibers was sometimes seen on the ependymal surface. Neuronal perikaria exhibited numerous surface protrusions and were covered by a rich meshwork of crisscrossing, varicosed fibers. Many of these cells were associated with multiple processes of varying diameters and lengths which either coursed independently over the ventricular surface or formed fasciculated bundles. As process bundles traversed the ependymal surface, individual processes branched off and either terminated within the ventricular lumen or penetrated the subjacent ependymal lining. Fibers also made contact with adjacent supraependymal neuronal elements. Correlative transmission electron microscopic observations indicate that both the perikaria and processes of such supraependymal networks possess ultrastructural features characteristic of neurons. The morphological characteristics of the intraventricular neuronal networks suggest that they may be engaged in functional interactions with the cerebrospinal fluid, with adjacent supraependymal neuronal elements and with the subjacent neuropil.