Functional Morphology of the Teleost Pituitary Gland

The current state of our knowledge of the morphology and histo- and cytophysiology of the teleost pituitary gland is presented. The zonation that characterizes the adenohypophysis is based on the regional distribution of specific cell types. As a result there is also a functional zonation indicated...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American zoologist 1973-08, Vol.13 (3), p.719-742
Main Authors: SCHREIBMAN, MARTIN P., LEATHERLAND, JOHN F., McKEOWN, BRIAN A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Basement membrane
Cell membranes
Epsilon cells
Fresh water
Hormones
Neurons
Pituitary gland
Posterior pituitary
Salmon
Sea water
The Current Status of Fish Endocrine Systems
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Summary:The current state of our knowledge of the morphology and histo- and cytophysiology of the teleost pituitary gland is presented. The zonation that characterizes the adenohypophysis is based on the regional distribution of specific cell types. As a result there is also a functional zonation indicated by specific hormones emanating from clearly identifiable parts of the gland. These observations make the teleost hypophysis ideal for the study of problems that may be basic to all vertebrates. The ultrastructure of hypophysial cells is presented and related to observations at the light microscope level. The manner in which secretory granules are released from specific cells is compared, and the problem of evaluating “cell activity” discussed. The application of immunohistochemical techniques to the study of the teleost pituitary gland is reviewed, and its use as a tool of investigation for future studies evaluated. These methods have helped to elucidate the cellular source of teleost pituitary hormones and have confirmed the findings of the histophysiologists.
ISSN:1540-7063
0003-1569
1557-7023
DOI:10.1093/icb/13.3.719