Astroglial pattern in the spinal cord of the adult barbel (Barbus comiza).

The distribution and the structural, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical characteristics of the astroglial cells in the spinal cord of the adult barbel (Barbus comiza) have been studied by means of metallic impregnations (Golgi and gold-sublimate), immunohistochemical (GFAP and vimentin) and electron microscopic techniques. GFAP-positive cells were mainly distributed in the ependyma and in the periependymal region, but they have also been observed at subpial level in the anterior column. The ependymocytes were heterogeneous cells because they showed different immunohistochemical characteristics: GFAP-positive, vimentin-positive or non-immunoreactive cells. The radial astrocytes showed only GFAP immunoreactivity, and their processes ended at the subpial zone forming a continuous subpial glia limitans. Desmosomes and gap junctions between somata and processes of radial astrocytes were numerous, and a relationship between radial astroglial processes and the nodes of Ranvier was also described. The perivascular glia limitans was poorly developed and it was not complete in the blood vessels of the periependymal zone; in this case, the basal lamina was highly developed. An important characteristic in the barbel spinal cord was the existence of a zone with an abundant extracellular space near the ependyma. The presence of radial astroglial somata at subpial level, the existence of vimentin-positive ependymocytes and the abundant extracellular space in the periependymal zone is discussed in relation to the regeneration capacity and the continuous growth showed by fish. Moreover, the abundance of gliofilaments and desmosomes leads us to suggest that mechanical support might be an important function for the astroglial cells in the barbel spinal cord.