[Differentiation of immunopositive ACTH cells in the human fetal pituitary gland].

Differentiation and localization of corticotrophic cells in the human fetus hypophysis (5-30 weeks of development) have been studied. The immune cytochemical reaction is performed in sagittal and horizontal sections 5 mcm thick. Rabbit anti adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-, anti ACTH- and anti ACTH-sera are used. In the hypophysis anlage of a 6-week-old fetus single immune positive ACTH-cells are revealed situating at the border where the intermediate part gets into the anterior part. With age, the number of the corticotrophic cells increases and till the first third of the intrauterine development they are mainly localized along the periphery of the epithelial cords and the adenoid- or other parts of the adenohypophysis. During the second part of the intrauterine development the corticotrophic cells localize in the same places as in a mature person. The hormone-producing ability of the hypophysis coincides with the beginning of its organogenesis.