[Existence of "endorphin cells" in the adenohypophysis of the cat; comparison with "corticotropin cells." Immunocytochemical study].

Indirect immunofluorescence technique with anti-17-39ACTH and anti beta-endorphin sera has allowed us to detect "corticotropic cells" in the anterior and intermediate lobes of the adenohypophysis of the male cat. The corticotropic cells of the anterior lobe are localized in the median zone; they are PAS-positive and appeared intensively coloured in dark blue with the Herlant's tetrachrome. All the cells of the intermediate lobe react with the anti-17-39ACTH serum. Using an anti-beta-endorphin serum, we have observed that all the corticotropic cells of the anterior lobe react; but in the intermediate lobe, only a part of "corticotropic cells" react with the anti-beta-endorphin serum.