GONADOTROPIC CELLS IN PIGS HYPOPHYSIS

The present paper concerns the identification of LH -and FSH-secreting cells in the hypophysis of the pig. The morphological characteristics of the involved cell types can be accurately demonstrated by two staining techniques: PAS-methazol: blue-Orange G and PAS-Alcian blue-Orange G. Only the second of these methods reveals that the large cells of the median region, usually considered as FSH-secretory, can be separated into two cells types; some of them stain exclusively with PAS, the other ones stain simultaneously with PAS and Alcian blue. The cytological modifications of the hypophyseal structure observed in different functional conditions (f.i. during the different phases of the oestrous cycle, after castration, in cryptorchidism, after administration of antiovulatory drugs) point to an identical conclusion, namely that the secretion of LH must be ascribed to a specific glycoprotidic cell type, identified by a peculiar clusterlike disposition of the cytoplasmic granules. On the other hand, the cytological observations suggest that, among the basophil cells of the median region, only those which stain simultaneously with PAS and Alcian blue have a gonadotrope function and are most probably FSH-secreting. The electron microscope allows a precise distinction between the two gonadotrope cell types, based on the aspect of the ergastoplasm and the structure of the granules. The LH cells are easily identified by the characteristic disposition of the granules in clusters or clumps. Their hypertrophy after castration is confirmed by EM observations. On the other hand the EM confirmes the duality of the basophil cells of the median region; since, after castration, one of the two cell types only shows a massive vacuolisation of the ergastoplasm. Finally, the LH-secretory function of the glycoprotidic cells with clump like aspect of the granules is confirmed by their immuno-fluorescence reaction towards a specific anti-LH serum. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.