The ultrastructure of stellate cells in the pars distalis of the salamander pituitary gland

摘要: The ultrastructure of a distinct cell type, termed the stellate cell, in pars distalis salamander (Triturus [Notophthalus, Diemyctylus] viridescens viridescens) pituitary gland is described. has three primary characteristics which distinguish it from other types distalis: (1) lack or sparsity specific secretory granules, (2) several cellular processes are long and sheet-like (3) body nucleus considerably smaller than bodies nuclei chromophilic cells. often an angular shaped nucleus, cytoplasm characterized by abundance glycogen particles, lipid droplets, inconspicuous Golgi complex showing no evidence forming filaments, microtubules rough endoplasmic reticulum. cells occasionally contain unusual mitochondria exhibit longitudinally oriented cristae. From electron micrographic obtained this study, was suggested that probably contact all distalis; thus they favorably situated to play sustentacular role piuitary gland. In addition, frequently terminate on outer basal lamina pericapillary space. Consideration given also possible for cells, but little morphological suggest such function. It noted, however, dense about 250 mμ diameter were interpreted as granules.