A presumably astroglial cell in the retino-pectineal junction in Gallus domesticus, demonstrated by non-specific esterase staining.

Enzyme-histochemical localization of nonspecific esterase permits identification of a characteristic neuroglial cell profile in the optic disc and in the nerve fiber layer of the retinal along the retinopectineal junction in the chick. The cells showing intense enzyme activity are disposed radially in the stretch of the nerve fiber layer subjacent to the pectineal base and the adjoining optic disc. Outer and inner processes can be traced from their spindle shaped perikarya up to the inner margin of the inner plexiform layer, and to the base of the pectineal pleats or the inner limiting membrane lying in between. Structural organization and location of these cells suggest their inclusion as fibrous astrocytes. The possible role of these cells in effecting firm anchorage of the intraocular conglomerate of blood vessels with the optic disc and the retina, as well as their possible source of recruitment during embryogenesis have been discussed.