McNulty J A, Hazlett J C
Cell Tissue Res. 1980;207(1):109-21. doi: 10.1007/BF00239333.
In the pineal region of the opossum, Didelphis virginiana, two types of cells predominate: 1) pinealocytes, and 2) fibrous astrocytes. Pinealocytes are characterized by the presence of prominent Golgi bod'ies, numerous clear and dense-cored vesicles, sensory cilia (9+0), vesicle-crowned rods, and condensation of a maternial that was always associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, two other cell types are occasionally seen. These include 1) neuron-like cells, and 2) darker staining cells of unknown identity. The endoplasmic reticulum of the darker staining cells is typically expanded and filled with an amorphous substance. Although the pineal region is small in size, the present findings suggest that pinealocytes in this species are metabolically active cells displaying a secretory function. Moreover, the presence of sensory cilia (9+0) and vesicle-crowned rods indicates that pinealocytes of the opossum are phylogenetically related to the photoreceptor cells found in the pineal organ of lower vertebrates.
在负鼠（弗吉尼亚负鼠，Didelphis virginiana）的松果体区域，有两种类型的细胞占主导：1）松果体细胞，以及2）纤维性星形胶质细胞。松果体细胞的特征是存在突出的高尔基体、大量清晰和致密核心的囊泡、感觉纤毛（9+0）、囊泡冠杆状物，以及总是与粗面内质网相关联的一种物质的凝聚。此外，偶尔还能看到另外两种细胞类型。这些包括1）神经元样细胞，以及2）身份不明的深色染色细胞。深色染色细胞的内质网通常扩张并充满无定形物质。尽管松果体区域体积较小，但目前的研究结果表明，该物种的松果体细胞是具有分泌功能的代谢活跃细胞。此外，感觉纤毛（9+0）和囊泡冠杆状物的存在表明，负鼠的松果体细胞在系统发育上与低等脊椎动物松果体器官中的光感受器细胞相关。
