Ultrastructural changes in the adenohypophysis during the ovarian cycle of the viviparous teleost Poecilia latipinna. III. The growth hormone, adrenocorticotrophic, and prolactin cells and the pars intermedia.

During the monthly cycle of vitellogenesis, intraovarian gestation, and parturition, the pituitary growth hormone (GH) cells show ultrastructural changes indicative of an increase in secretory activity related to vitellogenesis. In contrast, the pituitary adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) cells are relatively inactive during vitellogenesis, but become active during late pregnancy in the few days before parturition. The prolactin cells and the two cell types of the pars intermedia do not appear to change their secretory activity during the cycle. In discussing these findings it is suggested that GH may play a metabolic role related to vitellogenesis, and that corticosteroids, secreted in response to elevated output of ACTH, may facilitate follicular rupture and/or the expulsion of the brood at the end of pregnancy.