Adenohypophysial histophysiology of gonadectomized, fatectomized and steroid treated male frogs, Rana hexadactyla (Lesson).

Cytology of the pars distalis of unilaterally and bilaterally gonadectomized Rana hexadactyla kept for a period of 60, 75, 120, 150 and 180 days and those treated with testosterone (25 micrograms) and oestradiol (25 micrograms) was studied. Similarly adenohypophysial cytomorphology in unilaterally and bilaterally fatectomized animals and/or treated with aqueous fat body extract was also investigated. The results indicate the B2 and B3 cells of pars distalis are responsible for the gametogenetic activity. A1 and B2 cells may contain some fat mobilizing factor (FMF) for stimulating spermatogenesis.

Effect of steroids on the adenohypophyseal gonadotrophes & its relation to spermatogenesis in Rana hexadactyla lesson.

PIP: The exogenous administration of selected steroids to male Rana hexadactyla Lesson was used to investigate the hypophyseal-testicular axis and to determine their influence on the activity of the hypophyseal cell types and the impact of this activity on spermatogenic activity. The frogs were treated as follows: 1) stilbestrol (S), 1.25 in 1 ml Ringer as a single dose or in 1.25 ml Ringer in .25 ml doses every 48 hours for 15 days 2) testosterone (T), 1 mg/ml every day for 15 days; 3) estradiol (E), 5 mg in 15 ml Ringer administered in 1 ml amounts for 15 days; 4) deoxycorticosterone (DOCA), 7.5 mg in 15 ml Ringers in 1 ml amounts for the test period; and 5) cortisol (F) .5 mg in 1 ml Ringer given as a single dose for 15 days. Single dose administration of S resulted in distortion of the histoarchitecture of the par distalis. The split dose of S was ineffective in the par distalis. T reduced the size of B2 cells. In E-treated animals regression of all cell types of the par distalis was observed and increased production of secretory material was indicated. DOCA-treated frogs displayed atypical cellular morphology and cytoplasmic granulations with extensive fibrosis in the par distalis. A regression of all types of adenohypophyseal cells and cytoplasmic degranulations were observed in F-treated frogs. While all steroids cause some changes in cytomorphological features, tinctorial affinities, and secretory activity, the magnitude of change is dependent on the steroid administered. Spermatogenesis was inactivated throughout.^ieng

Cell types of the pars distalis: seasonal changes in secretory activity and effect of steroids on spermatogenesis in Rana hexadactyla.

Cytomorphological features and tinctorial affinities of the adenohypophyseal gonadotrophs have been studied in stained preparations of the pituitary of adult male frogs Rana hexadactyla Lesson, at monthly intervals during a calendar year. All the five morphologically distinct cell types showed a progressive increase in size from August of February, followed by a decrease from March to July. Extrusion of the synthetized product occurred in the summer and during this period production was low. Injection of steroids viz. stilboestrol, testosterone, oestradiol, doca and cortisol, interfered with the elaboration and secretion of gonadotropins, the adenohypophyseal feedback mechanism, and the sensitivity of the germinal epithelium. Changes in gonadotropins secretion and their impact on the testis are discussed.