Membrane specializations in the first optic neuropil of the housefly,Musca domestica L. II. Junctions between glial cells

Abstract

Membrane specializations between the three types of glial cells in the first optic neuropil (lamina ganglionaris) of the housefly were determined from thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Three strata of glia cells are present in the lamina, A relatively thin layer of satellite glia covers the distal (perikaryal) rind of the lamina and these cells wrap retinular axons that enter the lamina. The central synaptic fields of the lamina neurons are enclosed by epithelial glia, while the proximal surface of the lamina is capped by marginal glial cells. Satellite glia bond to each other via desmosomes, septate and gap junctions. Freeze-fracture replicas show gap junctions as aggregations of E face particles and P face pits on the intramembranous surfaces. Parallel rows of P face particles are indicative of septate junctions. Angulated, intersecting, P face particle ridges are arranged in circumferential bands around retinular axons at the glia-axon interface. Thin section correlates of these junctions are presented. Epithelial glia are characterized by elaborate series of parallel membranes which appear to be suspended in the cytoplasm but may be the invaginated plasma membranes of a neighbouring glial cell. An intermembranous cleft of 40–50 Å is noted and this area has an appreciable electron density which gives the appearance of a gap junction. When cleaved, these membranes show plaques of particles on the P face. The marginal glial cells are relatively large and are joined by a newly discovered junction which is characterized (from freeze-fracture data) by numerous, undulating, uninterrupted, parallel P face ridges which sometimes become circular and form enclosures. In thin sections, electron-dense material fills the membrane appositional areas and in tangential sections faint diffuse parallel striae are seen. This specialized cell contact may be a variant of a continuous junction although, based on fracture replicas, there are obvious similarities to tight junctions. These membrane specializations are related, in the three dimensions of the optic cartridges, to functions in a possible blood-eye barrier system.