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An electron microscopic study of the pars distalis of the dog adenohypophysis

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Summary

The parenchymal cells of the pars distalis of the dog adenohypophysis were studied with the electron microscope. Criteria for the differentiation of four cell types included the size and shape of the cells and the size, shape and distribution of organelles and secretory granules. Three secretory granule-containing cells designated as I, II and III were observed. Cell type I was further divided into subtypes (Ia, Ib, Ic) on the basis of the granule size of maximal frequency. A fourth cell type (IV) contained no or only a few secretory granules. It was unique in having a highly irregular shape with cytoplasmic processes extending between the other cell types and also occasionally enclosing follicular cavities.

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Author notes

  1. Thomas F. Gale

    Present address: Department of Anatomy, Dartmouth Medical School, 03755, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Albany Medical College of Union University, 12208, Albany, New York, USA

    Thomas F. Gale

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  1. Thomas F. Gale
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Additional information

These studies were supported by USPHS training grant, GM-155 and by Public Health Service, GRS grant 5394. The author wishes to thank Dr. J. M. Wolfe and Dr. E. V. Crabill for their valuable assistance during the course of this investigation.

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Gale, T.F. An electron microscopic study of the pars distalis of the dog adenohypophysis. Z. Anat. Entwickl. Gesch. 137, 188–199 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00538790

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00538790

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