Pinealocytes can not transport neurotropic viruses. Pinealo-to-retinal connection in prepubertal rats originates from pineal neurons: Light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical studies

It is well established that the adult mammalian pineal body (PB), with exception of rodents, contains nerve cell bodies. Based on our previous results we have proposed there a pinealo-to-retinal neuronal connection in hamsters and prebubertal rats. By time animals reached puberty, labeled cells PB were not observed In present experiment, provide light electron microscopic immunohistochemical evidence prepubertal rats are neurons. Pinealocytes cannot transport neurotropic viruses. Virus do show S-antigen immunoreactivity typical for pinealocytes six-day-old Electron investigation confirmed nature virus cells. These neurons, similarly to hamsters, also establish connections