Presence of microglia-like cells in the neurohypophysis of normal and dehydrated rats.
By use of electron microscopy, in addition to conventional pituicytes small irregular cells were found in the hypophysial neural lobe of both normal and dehydrated adult rats. These cells were characterized by their irregular profiles, showing many multidirectional cytoplasmic processes, and by their dense nuclei and cytoplasm. They were located in both perivascular and interstitial positions. The cells in the first site were more numerous and showed frequent contacts with the parenchymal or endothelial basal laminae. Both showed basically the same submicroscopic features, displaying a well-developed Golgi apparatus and several dense bodies, presumably primary and secondary lysosomes. Cells were related to axons and nerve endings lying in the intercellular and in the perivascular spaces. Their ultrastructural features closely resembled those of microglial cells. The participation of these cells in the activities of neural lobe is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D003681:Dehydration / Q000473:pathology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains