TWO TYPES OF BASOPHILS IN THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF THE RAT AND THEIR RESPECTIVE CYTOPHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

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Abstract
Two types of basophils (beta and delta cells) can be distinguished in the pituitary of the rat by means of a new staining technic (aldehyde-fuchsin combined with a modified azan method). They show characteristic differences in number, distribution, cytological appearance and in their reaction to exptl. procedures designed to bring about changes in the secretion of tropic principles (castration, thyroidectomy, hemiadrenalectomy followed by exposure to cold, treatment with DOCA, acute stress and adrenalectomy). The delta cells are less numerous in the female. They become progressively hyperplastic and vacuolated after castration and thyroidectomy. Higher delta cell counts were found in the rats subjected to hemiadrenalectomy and subsequent exposure to cold, to acute stress and to prolonged treatment with DOCA. The beta cells are equally numerous in the sexes, remain unaffected by castration and tend to disappear after thyroidectomy. They are hyperplastic, enlarged and partially degranulated in the hemiadrenalectomized-cold exposed group. A high number of fully granulated beta cells is encountered in the DOCA-treated rats. The cytophysiological significance of these findings is discussed. It is concluded that the delta cells are the most likely source of FSH and thyrotropin, while the possible role of the beta cells in the formation of ACTH requires further investigation.