Human albinism. Light and electron microscopy study
A. B. Fulton, D. M. Albert and J. L. Craft
The eyes of a 13-year-old leukemic boy with the attributes of
tyrosinase-negative oculocutaneous albinism were obtained for light and
electron microscopic study. Repeated examinations had failed to reveal WBCs
with giant oxidase-positive granules, and leukemic involvement of the
fundus never occurred. Light microscopic examination of horizontal and
vertical sections through the retina confirms earlier reports that the
fovea is absent in albinos. The synaptic apparatus of the photoreceptor
terminals appears abnormal. The rough endoplasmic reticulum of the retinal
pigment epithelial cells is sparse though the presence of phagosomes
suggests that phagocytic function is intact. Suggestions as to the
importance that the morphological findings may have on albino visual
function are made.
