Changes in the nuclear uptake and retention of 3H-estrogen in gonadotrophs and lactotrophs as a function of age.
A quantitative autoradiographic immunocytochemical study was performed in which the nuclear uptake and retention of 3H-estradiol (3H-E2) by luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) cells was examined in 19-21-year-old baboons. 3H-E2 concentrating cells were found in all of the three lobes of the pituitary in varying percentages (38.7%, pars distalis; 17.1%, pars intermedia; 6.3%, pars nervosa). Approximately 80% of PRL cells and nearly 100% of LH cells were labeled. A count of the number of silver grains over nuclei revealed a marked variation of the accumulation of 3H-E2 by LH cells and to a lesser extent in PRL cells. These results suggest functional heterogeneity among LH and PRL cells. The present results are discussed in relation to the physiological state of old animals.
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007120:Immunochemistry; D010215:Papio; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014316:Tritium
D014316:Tritium; D004958:Estradiol