THE HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE PITUITARY OF THE WHITE RAT INJECTED WITH FOLLICULAR HORMONE

Abstract

Injs. of dimenformon were given white rats twice weekly for long periods. A total maximal dose of 120,000 M.U. over 9-12 wks. enlarged the ant. lobe 1.5 times normal size. A mild swelling of cells of the 3 different types occurred; the proportion of eosinophilic cells was 35 to 30% as compared with 38 to 32% in controls. With a total maximal dose of 600,000 M.U. over 17-30 wks., the ant. lobe was enlarged to twice normal size. There was a mild increase in vascularity. In all 3 types of cells which were mildly swollen the Golgi apparatus was markedly enlarged and contained a coarse granular debris. The proportion of eosinophils was diminished to 21 to 28%. When a total maximal dose of 780,000 M.U. over 32-63 wks. was given the anterior lobe measured 3 to 4 times its normal size and obtained a maximal weight of 100 mg. The interlobular cleft was markedly widened. Marked increase in vascularity was noted, which in a number of cases led to intralobular hemorrhages and death.