Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication by gap junctions was investigated in the female rat anterior pituitary gland from 10 through 45 days of postnatal development and in 60-day-old animals. Gap junctions initially appeared between adjacent folliculo-stellate cells on day 25. Their appearance in female rats was 5 days later than that observed in males (Soji et al., 1990). Gap junction number increased until the animals became 40 days of age, when they reached a level that resembled that found in adults. In addition, a correlation was evident between the frequency of gap junctions and stages of the estrous cycle, where they were most numerous during either proestrus or estrus. These results along with those previously published suggest that gap junction formation within the female rat hypophysis is in part modulated by both gonadal steroid hormones as well as prolactin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
