Summary
The effect of long-term testosterone propionate treatment on the adult female rat and hamster anterior pituitary was investigated by means of combined bioassay and electron microscopy. In the rat, a marked hypertrophy and enhancement of secretory activity of “FSH cells” occurred which correlated well with a marked increase of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stores. A moderate decrease of luteinizing hormone (LH) stores was not accompanied by changes in so-called LH cells. Alterations in “acidophilic” cell types were also observed. Somatotrophs were atrophic and showed evidence of decreased secretory activity, while lactotrophs appeared to be stimulated by testosterone treatment. There were similar changes in the hamster.
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Dekker, A., Hutchinson, J.S.M. Effect of testosterone propionate on fine structure and gonadotrophin content of the female rat and hamster anterior pituitary. Z.Zellforsch 143, 291–300 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307416
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307416