Unusual cytoplasmic bodies in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla of the viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus).
Complex structures can be seen associated with large areas of endoplasmic reticulum of the chromaffin cells in the viscacha adrenal medulla. These structures are cylindrical in shape and are formed by chains of globular subunits. A central lumen is observed within which there are bodies resembling chromaffin granules. Parallel cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum are arranged surrounding these bodies. The functional significance of these structures in unknown.
D000313:Adrenal Medulla / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000818:Animals; D002837:Chromaffin Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002838:Chromaffin System / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012377:Rodentia / Q000033:anatomy & histology*