FINE STRUCTURE OF THE RETICULOENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN THE NORMAL RAT LIVER: MORPHOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

The reticuloendothelial cells in the liver have been studied electron microscopically by many reaseachers. However, agreeable results have not been obtained, probably due to species difference, various functional states, and their fragile nature. Recently, the technique of tissue embedding has been improved with the use of epoxy resins permitting more detailed structural observations. In this study, special attention has been directed toward the fine structural differences of the cells, composing the reticuloendothelial system of the normal rat liver, with consideration in the relationship between the function and structure of these cells.