THE MUCOID CELLS OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF THE RABBIT DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

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Abstract
Following a fall post coitum, the mucoid cells of the adenohypophysis of the female rabbit increase in numbers to values up to 100% higher than normal during the 2nd half of pregnancy. Then follows a sharp decrease before parturition and, thereafter, the numbers remain at approximately normal levels during lactation. This general pattern is observed in both the pars distalis proper (pdp) and zona tuberalis (zt), except that in the latter the small decrease post coitum may not be significant. It is suggested that: the drop in numbers in early pregnancy in pdp is due to a loss of specific mucoid granules and is to be correlated with the preovulatory release of LH [luteninizing hormone]; the increase in cells in mid-pregnancy in pdp is correlated with an increased production of LH necessary to maintain pregnancy; the increase in zt is correlated with the production of FSH associated with parturition and the subsequent post-partum estrus.

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