Summary
The results of these experiments clearly indicate that the PAS-red and PAS-purple gonadotrophs of the rat anterior hypophysis are functionally as well as tinctorially distinct cell types. The PAS-red cells located peripherally in control animals (“peripheral gonadotrophs” of Purves and Griesbach) produce LH. Following castration they begin to appear in greater numbers in the central areas and by 45 days following castration they are predominant in both central and peripheral portions of the glands. At this time after castration the gonadotrophic content of the pituitary gland is predominantly luteinizing in character.
The PAS-purple cells which are found in the central portions of control glands (“central gonadotrophs” of Purves and Griesbach) produce FSH. They appear peripherally following castration and are the predominant type of gonadotrophic cell in the glands of short term (10-day) castrates. The gonadotrophic content of such glands is chiefly FSH as shown by bioassay.
By 45 days after castration the LH producing “peripheral gonadotrophs” and the FSH producing “central gonadotrophs” have lost their characteristic distribution patterns. Obviously, then, these two gonadotrophic types cannot be accurately followed on the basis of a restricted regional location in the pituitary but must be differentiated on the basis of specific cytological features and staining characteristics.
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This study was supported by USPHS Grant RG 4723 and by contract between Office of Naval Research, Department of the Navy, and University of Texas.
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Hildebrand, J.E., Rennels, E.G. & Finerty, J.C. Gonadotrophic cells of the rat hypophysis and their relation to hormone production. Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 46, 400–411 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345053
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345053