ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Pars intermedia
;
Hypothalamus
;
Anurans
;
Hormone release
;
Ultrastructure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The ultrastructure of the pars intermedia of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles was studied following isolation from the hypothalamus, in vivo after sectioning of the pituitary stalk, and in vitro after implantation of the pituitary into a piece of tail fin. Both experimental procedures were followed by rapid and sustained skin darkening. Pituitaries from normal light and dark adapted tadpoles served as controls. In 4-hour disinhibited glands, melanotrophs revealed hyperactive Golgi bodies, colloid vesicles (1–2 microns) in close proximity to axon terminals, and no apparent loss of secretory granules. At 24 hours extracellular colloid adjacent to axon terminals was found, and extensive arrays of RER appeared in the melanotrophs. Obvious granule loss from secretory cells occurred within a week, by which time the cytoplasm was occupied by large cisterns of SER and RER and abundant free ribosomes. Dense core vesicles (600–900 Å) in aminergic nerve terminals disappeared shortly after isolation of the pituitary from the hypothalamus, and only decreasing numbers of translucent vesicles (200–300 Å) were found. The functional significance of these changes is discussed, with particular emphasis on the mode of acute hormone release.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00306970
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