Three-dimensional Organization of Microtubules and Microfilaments of the Basal Body Apparatus of Ciliated Respiratory Epithelium

This is a descriptive study showing the three-dimensional interrelationship of cytoskeletal elements at the apex of ciliated cells of rat respiratory epithelium. Tissue specimens were serially thin sectioned in various planes and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Thicker sections were also cut at various angles and analyzed stereoscopically. Other specimens were cleared of soluble molecules by glycerination or Triton-X100 treatment and sectioned as described above. It was found that C microtubules from the triplets of each basal body diverge from the A and B microtubules, run a short distance, and converge at the basal foot. These microtubules or other microtubules arising anew then dispersed deeper into the cytoplasm. The C fibers also interdigitated with other microtubules running perpendicular to them and parallel to the ciliated surface. Ten-nanometer intermediate filaments were organized in parallel sheets between adjacent basal bodies. Sixnanometer actin filaments were distributed throughout the apical cytoplasm. Neighboring basal bodies were linked to one another by microtubules and microfilaments. Basal bodies from each cell appear to be structured for stability, flexibility, and arranged to operate as a single unit.