Ciliated neurons in supraoptic nucleus of rat hypothalamus during neonatal period

Cilia 9+0 have been found in differentiating neurosecretory neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic nuclei of Wistar rats. These ciliated neurosecretory cells were always observed during the neonatal period of the rat and no more than one cilium per cell has been encountered. Single cilia arising from typical basal bodies were usually located in deep invaginations of the neuronal perikaryon, but can also be seen in superficial positions. Their basal bodies were commonly found in the vicinity of Golgi complexes, and associated structures such as striated rootlets and alar sheets were also present. In addition, single centrioles frequently appeared in these neurons, occurring close to basal bodies but also in centrosomatic areas. The respective roles of these morphological features are suggested and their possible ontogenetic significance is briefly discussed.