The surface fine structure of the ependymal lining of the lateral ventricle in rats with hereditary hydrocephalus

Summary The ependyma of the lateral ventricle of rats with hereditary hydrocephalus was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Normal rats from the same litters were used as control animals. The surface morphology of the lateral ventricle of normal rats corresponded to results reported by other authors. The most prominent changes in the surface morphology of the ependyma of the hydrocephalic rats were seen in the cilia. They were shortened, fewer in number and clumped or matted. The surface of the ependymal cells was flattened and contained small, irregular projections. The number of large supraependymal cells, regarded as neurons, appeared to have diminished in the hydrocephalic rats. The number of supraependymal macrophages was greatly increased in these rats, suggesting the existence of an ependymitis. Send offprint requests to: College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Hämeentie 57, SF-00550 Helsinki 55, Finland Acknowledgement: This study was supported by a grant from the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation to S.T.