Bacilliform inclusions in cells of the proximal pars distalis in the pituitary of four species of Tilapia (Teleostei)

Abstract

Thin sections and replicas of freeze-etched pituitaries from six species of the teleostean family of Cichlidae were studied by electron microscopy. Four species belonging to the genus Tilapia exhibit rod-like structures, i.e., "bacilliform inclusions" (BI), about 1-2 micrometer in length in cells of the proximal pars distalis. The BI are found either isolated or fused in small groups. They are enclosed in an envelope similar to that of secretory granules. Both the BI and the secretory granules give a positive PAS-reaction.