Pineal gland of the Kuwaiti desert gerbil (Gerbillus cheesmani): alterations of its structure by bromocriptine treatment.
In the present study, the pineal gland of the gerbil Gerbillus cheesmani was described for the first time. According to their electron density, two distinct cell types were observed (light and dark pinealocytes). The nuclei were either oval or irregular. Moderate amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER) was observed. Free ribosomes were present throughout the cytoplasm. Mitochondria and lysosomes were among the most common organelles in the pinealocytes. Several dense core vesicles (DCV) were also noted. Blood capillaries with nonfenestrated endothelium were frequent. Bromocriptine treatment for two weeks influenced, to a degree, the physiology of the pinealocytes. It induced a loss of distinction between light and dark pinealocytes, a decrease in the amount of GER and a reduced frequency of lysosomes. On the contrary, lipid droplets and membrane bound vesicles became more frequent.
Sabry
I
I
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, 13060 Kuwait. i_sabry@kuc01.kuniv.edu.kw
Al-Ghaith
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005849:Gerbillinae; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects
D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin