Frink R, Young R A, Krupp P P
J Anat. 1980 May;130(Pt 3):499-505.
Throtrophs of the woodchuck anterior pituitary are described through the four seasons of the year. Evidence of an increase in number and activity in the spring is presented. Activity of the thyrotroph is seen to continue through the summer and decline in the autumn to quiescence during the hibernatory period of winter. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to thyoid follicular cell morphology, serum T3 and T4 levels and the physiological activities of the animal. High levels of thyroid hormones in the serum may be consistent with the appearance of great activity seen in the thyrotroph and follicular cell when taken in context with breeding season, ambient temperature and lack of food.
本文描述了土拨鼠垂体前叶促甲状腺激素细胞在一年四个季节中的变化情况。文中给出了春季促甲状腺激素细胞数量和活性增加的证据。促甲状腺激素细胞的活性在夏季持续存在，而在秋季下降，在冬季冬眠期则进入静止状态。本文结合甲状腺滤泡细胞形态、血清T3和T4水平以及动物的生理活动，讨论了这些发现的意义。考虑到繁殖季节、环境温度和食物短缺等因素，血清中高水平的甲状腺激素可能与促甲状腺激素细胞和滤泡细胞的高活性表现相一致。
