A study on the cytology of the adenohypophysis of the dog.

Abstract

SUMMARY Five specific types of cell were recognized in the pars distalis of the dog's hypophysis after staining by Crossmon's modification of the Mallory stain, either alone or in combination with aldehydefuchsin. Orange acidophils are similar in appearance in mature and immature animals and are considered to secrete somatotrophin. Red acidophils are almost absent in immature animals and are strongly stimulated by oestrogen. They are considered to secrete lactogenic hormone. Blue basophils, present in both mature and immature animals, are sensitive to alterations in thyroxine supply and are considered to secrete thyrotrophin. Purple basophils are not fully developed in immature animals. Pale cells contain small numbers of basophilic granules composed of water soluble glycoprotein and are considered to be basophils of low granule content. They are, like the purple basophils, relatively undeveloped in the immature animal. Purple and pale basophils are considered to be gonadotrophic in function.