Quantitative variations in nucleolar components within pineal gland cells during the rat estrous cycle

Quantitative changes in the size of pinealocyte nucleoli have been reported in various studies on this cell type. However, the significance of quantitative changes in the nucleolar components is unknown. The present study is an attempt to analyze ultrastructural and morphometric modifications occurring in the pinealocyte nucleolar components during the estrous cycle in female rats. The fibrillar centers showed an increase during estrus consistent with a decrease in pinealocyte nucleolar activity and melatonin pineal levels. The fibrillar components and granular components tended to display a reciprocal relationship. An increase in the dense fibrillar component took place at metaestrus and diestrus when melatonin synthesis increased in pinealocytes. Maximum values of granular and interstitial components were found at the proestrus phase before the day of ovulation.