Adenohypophysial necrosis in rats following destruction of the pituitary stalk. A histologic, immunocytologic and fine structural study.

Adenohypophyses of adult male rats have been investigated by light microscopy, immunocytology and electron microscopy 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours following electrolyte destruction of the pituitary stalk. Light microscopy revealed massive ischemic infarction of the adenohypophysis. Immunoreactive growth hormone, prolactin, TSH, FSH and LH were demonstrated up to 24 hours after surgery in necrotic adenohypophysial cells by the immunoperoxidase technique. Fine structural abnormalities were already noticeable 30 minutes following stalk lesion. The changes rapidly progressed and within 2 hours unmistakable signs of cellular necrosis became evident. Mitochondria, especially those of growth hormone cells, seemed to be affected at an early stage, whereas alterations in rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum membranes developed later. Nuclear changes, formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles and disruption of cell membranes were conspicuous findings. No evidence, indicating the participation of lysosomes in the development of cellular damage, was obtained. Secretory granules were prominent and well preserved even in cells which showed advanced necrosis. The failure of discharge and degradation of secretory granules in the necrotic cells suggest that factors accounting for their intracellular migration and extrusion are very sensitive to ischemia and are paralyzed at an early phase.