The corneal endothelial cell interface.

Abstract

The apical edges of corneal endothelial cells have been separated along lines forming a crisscross pattern, by the help of a special method of preparation. The visualization by SEM of the lateral faces of the cells is thereby made possible. The separation leads to the formation of thin strands spanning the gap between the apical edges of adjoining cells. They are formed by stretching of the normal apical flaps. This stretching demonstrates that the main intercellular adherence is located at the tips of the apical flaps. The basal edges of the endothelial cells can be inspected, and it can be seen that the basal face of the cells has and irregular form. Threadlike processes extend from the basal cell edges. They ascend in the intercellular space and make contact with the lateral face of the neighbouring cell at varying levels. These processes are presumed to mediate intercellular transfer.