CYTOLOGICAL, IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF THE PARS DISTALIS OF THE KIDS (<i>CAPRA HIRCUS</i>): GONADOTROPIC CELLS)

Abstract

The structure and ultraestructure of the gonatropic cells of the adenohypophyseal pars distalis has been studied in kids of the Murciano-granadina breed (18 males and 12 females), aged 2-3months and with an average weight of 8 kg. Gonadotropic cells are a 10% and are distributed more freqently in sagital section by the anterior area (vascular or sex zone), whereas are less common towards the caudodorsal region and are scarce in the ventral region; in trasversal sections the are distributed peripherically. Meancell size of cells labelled with anti-LHh is 13,98 µm whereas with anti-FSHh is 14,89 µm in males and 14,53 µm in females. With electron microscopy three cellular typpes have been differenciated according to size and electrodensity of granules and degree of development of granular endoplasmic reticulum. Type 1 cell shows very electrodense granules with a mean size of 373 nm in males and 436 nm in females, and others with a fine granular content which is moderately electrodense and a mean diameter of 392 nm in males and 362 nm in females; endoplasmic reticulum is slightly dilated. Type II cell has very electrodense granules with a mean size of 312 nm in males and 338 nm in females; two subtypes can be distinghished, one with the granular endoplasmic reticulum made of small vesicles distributed by the whole cytoplasm, the otherwith large cisternal intercommunicated dilatations. All granules found in gonadotropic cells are spherical.