Ultrastructure of "tubular body" in the endothelial cells of the ocular blood vessels.

Abstract

Characteristic tubular bodies were detected with great regularity in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels of human eyes, normal and pathologic, as well as in growing vessels in rabbit corneas. These bodies in the mature form are shaped like a cylindrical rod with an internal tubular structure, bounded by a limiting membrane of unit membrane type. They are numerous in some instances of Behcet's disease. In the immature form they are often located in close proximity to the Golgi complex. It is probable that the tubular bodies are derived from the Golgi sac by budding and that they become more dense as they grow to maturity.