Abstract
Adult, nine-spined sticklebacks, Pungitius pungitius, were gradually transferred from fresh water to dilute and full strength seawater for periods of 10 hr, 3, 6, 9, and 21 days. Light microscopy studies of the pituitary gland revealed unusual and marked changes in the prolactin, ACTH, and GH cells of the adenohypophysis. In at least some animals from all experimental groups there were intercellular cysts among the prolactin cells. These became so large in the 21-day group as virtually to obliterate the RPD. In view of the enormous size of some cysts and the great diminution in prolactin cell numbers, they were presumed to be signs of decreased secretory activity. Transfer of animals from fresh water to dilute and full strength seawater was generally associated with decreased nuclear diameters in prolactin, ACTH, and GH cells. The GH cells were markedly degranulated in all animals from the 21-day seawater group. Evidently the euryhaline members of the Gasterosteidae show widely differing pituitary responses to altered ambient salinities.
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