Interlocking Patterns on Primate Lens Fibers

¹ Melbourne University, Department of Ophthalmology, and the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, Melbourne, Australia

Primate lens fibers examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy have revealed two distinct mechanisms for cell attachment. "Ball-and-socket" junctions consisting of a narrow neck, an expanded head, and accompanying areas of membrane fusion (zonula occludens) between adjacent fibers have been identified along the length of core lens fibers at or near the angles formed by the six flat surfaces of each fiber. "Tongue-and-groove" junctions, described here in detail for the first time, are found exclusively on the six fattened surfaces of lens fibers. They form randomly distributed, elevated fingerprint-like patterns, which in section appear as blunt interlocking projections accompanied also by areas of membrane fusion. The former mechanism is believed to represent a true cell to cell binding attachment, whereas the random orientation of the latter type may provide a moderate binding strength while at the same time preventing lateral shifting of adjacent fibers during accommodation.

Note:

Fellow of the Medical Research Council of Canada. Present address: Department of Anatomy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Professor of Ophthalmology, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Australia.

Key Words: Primate lens fibers • cytology • scanning and transmission • electron microscopy • camphene sublimation

Submitted on May 16, 1972
Accepted on June 29, 1972

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