FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE POSTERIOR LIMB OF RATHKE'S POUCH IN HUMAN FETAL PITUITARY GLANDS STUDIED BY PEROXIDASE LABELED ANTIBODY METHOD

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Abstract
The functional differentiation of the posterior limb of Rathke''s pouch in the human fetal pituitaries of gestational age ranging from 5-24 wk was studied by the peroxidase-labeled antibody method, using antibodies against ACTH, ACTH17-39, MSH [melanocyte-stimulating hormone], GH [growth hormone], PRL [prolactin], TSH [thyroid-stimulating hormone] and LH [luteinizing hormone]. ACTH was the 1st hormone localized in the posterior limb at 5 wk, and the posterior limb possessed the potentiality of the differentiation to MSH, GH, PRL and LH secreting cells. ACTH and MSH remained as the predominant hormones secreted by the posterior limb cells. Possible mechanism to promote ACTH and MSH secreting cells was also discussed.