QUANTITATIVE INVESTIGATIONS ON THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY BODY OF CASTRATED RATS WITH REFERENCE TO THE ABSOLUTE CELL CONDITIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

In 15 [male] [male], killed 30 days after castration, the anterior lobe was larger than in 12 uncastrated controls from corresponding litters whereas in 10 castrated [female] [female] it was smaller than in 12 controls. Cell counts at numerous points throughout each anterior lobe showed a reduced cell density (number of cells/unit vol.) in castrated cf [male] [male], but no statistically significant change in castrated [female] [female] . The absolute number of cells (cell density multiplied by weight of anterior lobe) was significantly reduced in castrated [female] [female], possibly increased in [male] [male]. Differential counts in 9 rats showed, as other authors have found, an increase in the proportion of basophils in all castrates. Cytologic study of 52 additional rats (castrated 5-37 days, with litter mates as controls) revealed hypertrophy of basophils, signs of probable increased function and some degeneration. Other cell types showed no degeneration, and the increased proportion of basophils was attributed to conversion of chromophobes or acidophils into basophils.