Cells of the adenohypophysis of the mink (Mustela vison) identified by immunohistochemical and functional criteria.

Six cell types were described in the adenohypophysis of the mink, and a putative function was assigned to each type. These cells are the two types of gonadotrophic cells, a thyrotrophic hormone (TSH) cell, a somatotrophic (STH) cell, a prolactin (PRL) cell and a corticotrophin-producing (ACTH) cell. Gonadotrophic cells were identified by an immunolocalization technique using antisera to ovine LH. TSH cells and ACTH cells were identified by ablation of respective target organs and observation of the subsequent hypertrophic cells in the pituitary, as well as comparison with published descriptions in other species. STH cells were identified by comparison with published reports. PRL cells were observed in lactating animals and animals in lactational withdrawal.