The extravascular channel system in the rostral pituitary of Mugil cephalus (Teleostei) as revealed by use of horseradish peroxidase

Abstract

The interlobular spaces, separating the neuro- and the adenohypophysis can be visualized in the pituitary of the Grey Mullet by using the horseradish peroxidase technique. On the one hand, these spaces communicate with the pericapillary spaces. On the other, they are linked with the pericellular spaces in the adenohypophysis and the periaxonal spaces in the neurohypophysis, thus providing a pathway for the exchange of metabolites and hormones between blood system, epithelial cells and the terminal region of the neurosecretory axons. The interlobular spaces branch off between the tips of the corticotrop cells and form a network adjacent to the adeno- and neurohypophyseal interface. It is possible that branches of this network penetrate into the interior of the corticotrops. The probable role of the network is to permit close contact between neurosecretory hormones and the corticotrops and also to enable the corticotrop hormone to reach the capillaries.