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Light and ultrastructural immunocytochemical study of somatotropic cells (GH cells) in ovine adenohypophysis: lactation and weaning influences
Author(s) -
Bernabé A.,
Gómez M. A.,
Seva J.,
Vásquez F.,
Pallarés F. J.,
Serrano J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2000.00224.x
Subject(s) - lactation , weaning , somatotropic cell , biology , medicine , golgi apparatus , endocrinology , endoplasmic reticulum , prolactin , pituitary gland , ultrastructure , mammary gland , hormone , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , pregnancy , genetics , cancer , breast cancer
The influence of lactation period and weaning on the distribution, number, and structure of somatotropic cells (GH cells) in ewes was studied using immunocytochemical procedures for light and electron microscopy, as well as morphometric and stereological techniques. The adenohypophyseal gland of 12 ewes of the Segureña breed in different stages of milk production and weaning was studied, while three ewes in anoestrus served as controls. The size of secretory granules was heterogeneous in all stages, suggesting that this characteristic is not related to functional activity. During lactation and weaning the size of GH cells decreased, while the number of ‘synthesis cells’ increased. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex appeared more developed and small secretory granules showed lower gold particle labelling. These data suggest that GH cells are more active during lactation, particularly during late lactation.