THE CELLS OF THE HUMAN ADENOHYPOPHYSIS IN THYROID DISORDERS*

Abstract

Cell counts were made on pituitaries stained with the iron-PAS technique from 14 cases of myxedema and 6 cases of hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism there was a significant increase in the proportion of gamma cells, and a significant decrease in the proportion of alpha cells. Gamma cells were characterized by the inclusion of a large number of PAS-positive vesicles, which were also found in alpha cells, chromophobes and interstitial spaces. In hyperthyroidism there was no consistent cellular pattern. In comparing the cell counts in myxedema and hyperthyroidism, the only significant difference was the greater percentage of gamma cells in the hypothyroid group. The suggestion is made that beta cells and vesiculated gamma cells form thyrotropin, and that there is a definite difference between the pituitaries in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.