THE ROLE OF THE FOETAL PITUITARY IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE FOETAL THYROID OF THE RABBIT

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Abstract
Jost (1954) reported that in the foetal rabbit, removal of the pituitary by semidecapitation at 19 days did not stop the normal histological differentiation of the thyroid. Some reduction of colloid was noted in the follicles at 22–24 days but this was much less marked at 28 days. However, reduction in foetal thyroid activity after removal of the pituitary has been demonstrated. Jost (1953) reported that, in 131I uptake studies, the concentrating power of the thyroid in foetuses without a pituitary was low as compared with litter-mate controls. The differentiation and growth of the foetal thyroid of the rabbit is therefore being re-investigated to determine whether morphological changes occur in the absence of the foetal pituitary. Some preliminary results are now reported. Methods. Hypophysectomy by semi-decapitation was performed on rabbit foetuses on the 22nd day after witnessed mating. Under ether anaesthesia the uterus is exposed by a midline incision, and

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