CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF THE LOBES OF THE PITUITARY GLAND AND IN THE WEIGHT AND WATER CONTENT OF ORGANS OF RATS GIVEN HYPERTONIC SALINE

Abstract

SUMMARY The volume of the various lobes of the pituitary gland were measured in rats which were given 2% sodium chloride to drink instead of water. The volume of the posterior lobe was increased by 60% after 11 days on saline. The volume of the anterior lobe was slightly decreased but the volume of the pars intermedia was not changed. There was a marked loss of body weight in animals which were given saline and a marked reduction in the weight of the whole pituitary, liver and thyroid.