Two types of thyrotropes (TSH cells) in the adenohypophysis of the untreated mouse.
Employing immunohistochemical techniques with OsO4 single fixation, we identified mouse pituitary thyrotropes (TSH cells). The cells stained with TSH antiserum are angular or slender with a small nucleus. These cells contain small secretory granules (about 120-200 nm in diameter) and numbers of cored vesicles, either attached to the cell membranes or lying free in a relatively electron transparent cytoplasm. In the untreated male mouse, the TSH cell modifies its morphology according to the functional phase. The first form of TSH cells [Type I] is small. The endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus are not prominent, and secretory granules are very few. In the second hypertrophied form [Type II], the endoplasmic reticulum is very prominent and occurs as a series of grossly dilated sacs of irregular shape. The Golgi apparatus is greatly enlarged and a large number of electron-dense secretory granules and cored vesicles are observed. Type II thyrotropes are rarely encountered in normal tissue.
Iwama
Y
Y
2nd Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Japan.
Hasegawa
K
K
D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000378:metabolism*
D013972:Thyrotropin