Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells of an Australian marsupial Setonix brachyurus

Abstract

The morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells has been studied in the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), an Australian marsupial, by light and electron microscopy.The pigment epithelium is formed by a single layer of cuboidal cells which are separated from the choriocapillaris by multilayered Bruch's membrane. Each epithelial cell is rich in organelles and inclusions, including smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complexes, phagosomes, and pigment granules. The outer border of the epithelial cells is highly infolded while the inner surface displays numerous processes which surround both rod and cone photoreceptor outer segments.Three photoreceptor types are seen, single rods, single cones, and twin cones. The rod photoreceptors outnumber the cones about 50 to 1 and are smaller and more electron-dense than the cones. The cones possess a large lipid droplet within their inner segments. Twin cones are seen only occasionally. They are formed by two cones lying in close apposition, with each member being morphologically quite similar to the other and to the single cone.Photoreceptor synapses in both rods and cones appear to be formed by superficial and invaginated contacts with bipolar and horizontal cells.