The Effect of Cyproterone Acetate on the Mouse Adenohypophysis. II. Gonadotrophs and Somatotrophs

Abstract

The adenohypophyses of adult male C₅₇BL/6J mice pituitaries injected with cyproterone acetate for four weeks were examined with the electron microscope. The gonadotrophs showed an accumulation of the hormone-containing granules, and a noticeable decrease in the amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The somatotrophs exhibited proliferated profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, hypertrophied Golgi apparatus, and a slight decrease in the GH-containing granules. It is believed that the cyproterone acetate may have inhibited synthesis and release of the gonadotropins, and may have stimulated the GH-producing cells through the progestational activity of this antiandrogen.

Key Words:

• Cyproterone acetate
• Adenohypophysis
• Gonadotrophs
• Somatotrophs
• Electron microscopy