The ultrastructure of basal cells of rat and dog prostate.

The ultrastructure of the basal cells of rat lateral and ventral prostate and of dog prostate has been studied. Basal cells from both species appear as undifferentiated cells, characterised by a lack of cytoplasmic organelles and a poorly developed Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. The presence of cytoplasmic filaments and micropinocytosis is not considered to be sufficient evidence to assume any similarity to myoepithelium, as has been previously suggested. Basal cells are instead considered to be precursors of secretory epithelial cells.