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Pituitary adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) cells during reproductive cycle in a Vespertilionid bat, Scotophilus heathi

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Abstract

Present study described the pituitary adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)-cells during different phases of reproductive cycle of Indian Vespertilionid bat, S. heathi. ACTH-cells were identified by histochemical, immunocytochemical and electron microscopic techniques. These cells shows round to polygonal in shape and be easily distinguished by histochemical staining. The body weight attains peak during recrudescence phase due to accumulation of fat. The mean areal fraction occupied by ACTH-cells were higher in recrudescence and winter dormancy as compared with other reproductive phases. The size and granulation pattern of these cells showed variation in relation with the seasonal fat cycle. The possible significance of ACTH-cells during periods of recrudescence and winter dormancy, which is also coincided with period of delayed ovulation in this species, were discussed.

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  1. Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, 221 005, Varanasi, India

    U. P. Singh &  A. Krishna

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  1. U. P. Singh
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  2. A. Krishna
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Singh, U.P., Krishna, A. Pituitary adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) cells during reproductive cycle in a Vespertilionid bat, Scotophilus heathi. BIOLOGIA FUTURA 48, 409–420 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03542951

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