Summary
The cytological changes in the pars distalis of pituitary of male and female green frog, Rana esculenta during the reproductive cycle have been studied by examining the form, cytoplasmic granulation and numerical proportions of the different cell types. Some sex differences were recorded, particularly in relative total number of cells in a median sagittal section of the pars distalis. No extensive cytological changes occur during the hibernation period, but there are striking alterations at the time of spring awakening, during spawning months and during replenishment of the spent gonads i.e. during late summer and autumn months. Important changes are to be observed in the acidophils type one (A1) and basophils type two (B2) and three (B3). Changes in the A1 cells during breeding season have been speculated as being in support of the spawning activity of the animal. The B2 cells exhibit most profound changes which correlate precisely with the morphological changes in gonads, and these cells are considered as the FSH-gonadotrops. The functional significance of the B3 cells is discussed and it is suggested that they might be the source of an ICSH- or LH-like hormone.
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The work has been supported by grant from the National Research Council of Italy.
The award of postdoctoral fellowship by the National Research Council of Italy is gratefully acknowledged.
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Rastogi, R.K., Chieffi, G. Cytological changes in the pars distalis of pituitary of the green frog, Rana esculenta L., during the reproductive cycle. Z. Zellforsch. 111, 505–518 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00330928
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00330928