A multilamellate body in the granulated hypophysial cells of the teleost, Hemihaplochromis philander.

A multilamellate body (MLB), bearing close resemblance to an array of annulate lamellae, has been observed in several adenohypophysial cell types of the teleost, Hemihaplochromis philander. In longitudinal section, each MLB comprises a ladder-like row of 12-50 sausage-shaped profiles, termed lamellae. A few lamellae in each section show connections with the endoplasmic reticulum. Apposition of paired lamellar membranes at regularly spaced intervals results in a beaded appearance, whereby sites of membrane apposition are probable pore sites. The MLB differs from annulate lamellae in having poorly developed pores and closer packing of lamellae. It is suggested that the MLBs described here, may represent annulate lamellae at a stage of development or break-down when pores are incomplete.