Pineal innervation of the third ventricular ependyma in the teleost, Puntius sophore (Ham.)

Abstract

In the teleost Puntius sophore a well defined pineal tract intersects the posterior commissure at right angles and enters the ependymal layer in the roof of the third ventricle. In the ependymal layer it gives out varying number of branches which are in morphological contact with the component cells. Few branches apparently project into the third ventricles also. Further, EM studies would confirm the site of their constituent axonal endings. Such a direct pineal pathway projecting into the ependyma and third ventricle may be of great functional importance. © 1982 Springer-Verlag.