Immunohistochemical-morphometric study of the LH-adenohypophyseal cells following chronic treatment with met-enkephalin.
In order to test the possible effect of chronic treatment with met-enkephalin upon the LH-adenohypophyseal cells, an immunohistochemical-morphometric study was carried out in rats of both sexes receiving a daily dose of 40 micrograms of met-enkephalin intramuscularly over 15 days. Following the administration of the opioid, a drastic decrease in the cellular, cytoplasmic and nuclear areas when compared to the normal and control animals was detected. Morphologically, the main finding in males was the appearance of irregularly-shaped pseudovacuolated cells. On the other hand, in females a decrease in the intensity of reaction was found. These results strongly suggest a decrease in the activity of the LH-adenohypophyseal cells following chronic administration of met-enkephalin.
Rubio
M
M
Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Spain.
Sánchez
F
F
Carretero
J
J
Riesco
J M
JM
Cabo
L
L
Vázquez
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone