The anterior pituitary: introduction

The author considers the essential contributions of electron microscopy, in conjunction with other techniques, in order to improve our knowledge of anterior pituitary cells. This article is of great value for those interested in modern morphology and physiology of the adenohypophysis. In the first section of the article, the size of secretory granules, structure of cell organelles, identification of chromophobe cells and specific techniques (histochemistry, immunocytochemistry) in electron microscopy for the identification of pituitary cells are dealt with. In the second part, the origin and fate of secretory granules, the contribution of 'autoradiography', the role of lysosomes in pituitary cells and the effect of hypothalamic mediators on the ultrastructure of pituitary cells are discussed. (80 references are cited) (Godlewski-Krakow)SCOPUS: ar.j