title: Leucine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity is localized in luteinizing hormone-producing cells in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) pituitary.
abstract: In this study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to determine the cell type of leucine-enkephalin (Leu-ENK)-immunoreactive cells in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) pituitary. Immunoreactive cells were scattered throughout the pars distalis except for the dorso-caudal portion. These cells were immuno-positive for luteinizing hormone (LH), but they were immuno-negative for adrenocorticotrophic, growth, and thyroid-stimulating hormones, as well as prolactin. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that Leu-ENK-like substance and LH co-localized within the same secretory granules. Leu-ENK secreted from gonadotrophs may participate in LH secretion in an autocrine fashion, and/or may participate in the release of sex steroids together with LH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Fukuoka University of Education, Akamabunkyo-machi 1-1, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-4192, Japan. Electronic address: spiderhs@fukuoka-edu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Hirohumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.affiliation: Brain Functions and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Inaoka-cho 82, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshiharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
mesh_terms: D000558:Ambystoma mexicanum / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin
keywords: Amphibian; Axolotl; Enkephalin; Luteinizing hormone; Pituitary