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Ultrastructural observations of growth hormone (STH) cells of anterior pituitary glands of partially hepatectomized rats

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Summary

Ultrastructural changes in pituitary growth-hormone cells were observed in partially hepatectomized rats. The hepatectomies were carried out during the afternoon after 3 p.m. The animals were sacrificed by decapitation at midnight at intervals of 32, 80, and 104 hours after the operation.

The principal changes in the growth-hormone cells of anterior pituitary glands of partially hepatectomized rats were: (1) increased numbers of secretory granules in exocytosis, (2) increased numbers of microtubules, and (3) enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum and occurrence of dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticula. Many growth-hormone cells contained a reduced number of secretory granules. Exocytosis of growth-hormone granules was more frequently observed in animals sacrificed at 32 hours after the operation than in those killed at 80 or 104 hours after surgery.

The above results in which appearance of numerous microtubules and active secretory granule extrusion in the growth-hormone cells were observed after hepatectomy indicate that ultrastructure of growth-hormone cells and growth hormone secretion were markedly stimulated by the operation.

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Author notes

  1. Masataka Shiino

    Present address: Biology Division, Medical College of Miyazaki, 889-16, Miyazaki, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

    Masataka Shiino &  Edward G. Rennels

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  1. Masataka Shiino
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  2. Edward G. Rennels
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Additional information

Supported by USPHS grant AM 12583.

The authors are grateful to Miss Pauline Cisneros for her excellent technical assistance.

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Shiino, M., Rennels, E.G. Ultrastructural observations of growth hormone (STH) cells of anterior pituitary glands of partially hepatectomized rats. Cell Tissue Res. 163, 343–351 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219468

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219468

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