Somatotrophs in the human fetal anterior pituitary. An electron microscopic-immunocytochemical study.
An immunocytochemical staining of ultrathin sections using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex was employed to localize the somatotrophs in  the anterior pituitary of the human fetus. This technique allowed a specific identification of the somatotrophs and a detailed description of their ultrastructure which was well preserved by the fixation employed. They appeared as cells with a dense cytoplasmic matrix, lamellar rough endoplasmic reticulum, and prominent Golgi apparatus. Their secretory granules had a mean diameter of 300 nm.
D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum; D005333:Fetus; D006056:Golgi Apparatus; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000196:embryology*; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*
D013006:Growth Hormone