Effect of cyproterone acetate on mouse adenohypophysis. I. The adrenocorticotrophs.

Abstract

The adenohypophyses of adult male C57BL/6J mice pituitaries injected with cyproterone acetate for four weeks were examined with the electron microscope. The adrenocorticotrophs of the adenohypophysis showed an absence of the 200-nm granules that were lined along the plasma membrane, a decrease in profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, sparse distribution of ribosomes, and flatten Golgi membranes. It is believed the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate inhibited ACTH synthesis and release and that this was responsible for adrenocortical atrophy.