CLASSIFICATION OF THE MUCOID (BASOPHIL) CELLS IN THE NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL HUMAN ADENOHYPOPHYSIS

Abstract

SUMMARY: 1. Two types of mucoid (basophil) cell, described as R and S, can be distinguished in the human adenohypophysis by a performic acid-Alcian blue method for cystine. 2. The relationship of the S—R terminology to other nomenclatures of human pituitary basophils is discussed. 3. The R cell, which contains little cystine, is the common mucoid cell of the human adenohypophysis: it is the cell which undergoes hyalinization in Cushing's syndrome and after cortisone therapy. 4. The S cell is found in the normal pituitary and, in great numbers, in Addison's disease and in shock: it is suggested that this cell is responsible for corticotrophin-synthesis.