The Pituitary Gland of the Roach Leuciscus rutilus

Three different endocrine cell types were identified by electron microscopy in the rostral pars distalis (RPD) of the roach, Leuciscus rutilus. The cells which are characterized by the morphology and sizes of their secretory granules are assumed to secrete prolactin, ACTH and TSH. Prolactin cells occur in two forms which could be separated on account of the sizes of their granules. Intra-peritoneal injections of reserpine had a strong and persistent effect 24 hours after the treatment. The prolactin cells with small granules reacted with a marked release of secretion. The border of the RPD is composed of a so-called double basement membrane in contact with the perivascular spaces and forms extensive ramifications into the rostral neurohypophysis (RNH). Nerve fibers of different categories terminate at the border and its network in the RNH. Substances released from these terminals may influence the endocrine cells of the RPD. The ACTH cells and the prolactin cells are innervated by axons with granules less than 100 nm. The nomenclature of type ‘A’ fibers and ‘B’ fibers is discussed because it was difficult to make a reliable discrimination of the fibers and their nature by the sizes of their granules. However, four types of nerve fibers were distinguished in connection with the RPD although the presence of more types was indicated. In all four types the size variations of the granules are great and overlapping. The average sizes of the granules in these fibers are 157, 114, 119 and 81 nm. The origin of the nerve fibers innervating the RPD is discussed. All morphological data indicate a complex hypothalamic control of the RPD of the roach.