A centrosomal inclusion (striped nebulous body) in pinealocytes of the golden hamster

Electron microscopy has revealed the presence of a special cytoplasmic body in the centrosomal area of pinealocytes of the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. It consists of branching electron-dense ribbons embedded in a flocculent matrix of moderate electron density, and is tentatively named the 'striped nebulous body' (SNB). The dense ribbon usually appears as a thick band accompanied by a parallel thin one to one side. The SNB is not bounded by a membrane, and is roughly round or kidney-shaped. Closely associated with the SNB are centrioles, microtubular sheaves and striated fibrils, the latter two being centriolar derivatives. The observations suggest that the SNB might be formed by the amalgamation of these microtubular sheaves and striated fibrils. In golden hamsters, pinealocytes often have multiple centrioles and centriolar derivatives. The SNB of adult hamsters is seen in the pinealocytes of both sexes, irrespective of the season of the year and the activity of the pineal gland. The functional significance of this body remains to be studied.