THE SITE OF THYROTROPHIN AND GONADOTROPHIN PRODUCTION IN THE RAT PITUITARY STUDIED BY McMANUS-HOTCHKISS STAINING FOR GLYCOPROTEIN

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Abstract
The results of the McManus periodic acid Schiff reagent (PAS) staining for glycoprotein applied to sections of the rat pituitary were correlated with the results of Mallory staining and with the hormone content of the pituitary detd. by assay. Glycoprotein granules present in the cytoplasm are responsible for the blue staining of the "basophils" by aniline blue in the Mallory technic. The so called "basophils" are, therefore, glycoprotein-producing cells. Two types of glycoprotein-containing cells are distinguishable. One is an oval or rounded cell staining intensely with PAS and localized in the lower surface of the anterior pituitary and in the upper surface adjacent to the pars intermedia. This type is inhibited by estrogen and is the source of castration cells in gonadal deficiency. The PAS reaction in these cells correlates with the known gonadotropin content of the gland under exptl. conditions. It is concluded that this type is the site of production of gonadotropin and the name "gonadotrophs" is suggested for these cells. The 2d type of glycoprotein-containing cells is polyhedral in shape and occupies the central region of the anterior lobe. This type is inhibited by thyroxine admn. and responds to thyroxine deficiency by producing thyroidectomy cells. The intensity of the PAS reaction in these cells is correlated with the thyrotropin content of the gland. It is concluded that these cells, for which the name "thyrotrophs" is suggested, are responsible for the production of thyrotropin. It is considered unlikely that either of these cell types, which together constitute the so-called "basophils," are responsible for the production of any hormones other than the specific glycoprotein hormones from which their suggested names are derived.