Distribution of gonadotrophins within the anterior pituitary cells of the musk shrew (Suncus murinus L.).

Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland of the musk shrew were first identified by means of electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. The gonadotrophs of the musk shrew revealed quite unusual ultrastructural features that have never been seen before in other species. These cells contained two types of secretory granules, i.e., small dense, round-shape granules and large lucent, irregular-shape granules. FSH beta and LH beta were mostly observed together on both small and large secretory granules. The distribution pattern of the subunits of gonadotrophs was slightly altered following gonadectomy in the musk shrew.