Scanning Electron Microscopy of Plexus Choroideus in Adult Sheep

Abstract

The outer morphology of the surface of the ependymal lining of the plexus choroideus was studied within the whole ventricular system of the brain in adult sheep using a scanning electron microscope. The more abundant occurrence of spherical secretory protrusions was found on the plexus choroideus (PCH) in the lateral cerebral ventricle. A frequent finding of the macrophage-like epiplexal cells was recorded on the PCH in the region of the lateral as well as the fourth ventricle. No differences were found in the structure of the PCH surface, which could be related to the sexual differentiation of the sheep. Our results are compared, above all, with those found in the adult goat and in the foetuses of both species of small ruminants.