Structure of the pars distalis in the adult tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Abstract

An immunohistochemical, light- and electron-microscopial study was made of the pars distalis in adult tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii). The pars distalis of this marsupial mammal was divided into three regions, based on the distribution of cell types within the gland. Somatotropic, mammotropic, luteotropic, folliculotropic, corticotropic and thyrotropic cells were identified on the basis of their immunohistochemistry, cytology and ultrastructure. Non-granulated (folliculo-stellate) cells, identified in electron micrographs, were found throughout the pars distalis. Somatotropic cells were predominant in the posterior pars distalis in all animals examined. In the single male specimen and in the non-lactating females examined, small numbers of apparently inactive mammotropic cells were scattered throughout the pars distalis; the same cell type was apparently active and present in considerable numbers in lactating females. Only one morphological type of gonadotropic cell was evident; these cells were scattered throughout the pars distalis, but in largest numbers in the median region. Small numbers of thyrotropic cells were found, most commonly in the anterior pars distalis. Corticotrops were also observed in moderate numbers, predominantly in the anterior regions of the pars distalis.