Nature and localization of avian lens glycogen by electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Electron microscopy confirms the presence of a high concentration of glycogen particles in the lens nuclear region of birds of flying habit such as the ring-neck dove and pigeon. This observation is consistent with Raman spectroscopy. The glycogen particles in the dove lens, which are approximately 35 nm in diameter, are classified as beta type particles. Although this type has been previously characterized by high rates of glycogen turnover in other tissues, its localization in the lens nucleus indicates that it may serve a structural function rather than as a storage depot of carbohydrate in the lens. In a comparative electron microscopy study, glycogen particles were not observed in the chicken lens.