Localization of gonadotrophic hormones in the pituitary gland of the California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus).

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) cells were immunostained in the anterior pituitary lobe of the California leaf-nosed bat with antisera against the specific beta (beta) subunits of rat LH and rat FSH employing the unlabeled immunoperoxidase technique. Selective immunochemical staining by both antisera was localized primarily in the same cell type. However, some cells consistently reacted solely with antisera to either LH-beta or FSH-beta. Whereas the immunoreactive LH-beta cells, in general, stained more intensely than FSH-beta cells they were usually less numerous. These cells were alcian-blue and PAS-positive, staining pink to purple. The LH/FSH cells were pleomorphic with eccentric nuclei, often with cytoplasmic extensions. They were found throughout the pars distalis.