Occurrence of immunoreactive activin/inhibin beta(B) in gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, and somatotrophs of the Xenopus pituitary

Gen Comp Endocrinol. 1996 Apr;102(1):1-10. doi: 10.1006/gcen.1996.0039.

Abstract

An antibody against the Xenopus activin/inhibin beta(B) subunit (94-107) was raised in a rabbit. Using this antibody, the distribution of activin/inhibin beta(B) immunoreactivity in the pituitary of adult X. laevis was studied. Beta(B) immunoreactivity was detected in gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, and somatotrophs under light microscopy. Electron microscopy revealed that a beta(B)-immunoreactive substance exists in LH, TSH, and GH granules, in contrast to findings in the rat and goldfish. These results indicate that the expression of activin/inhibin beta(B) in pituitary cells is not consistent among vertebrate species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activins
  • Animals
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inhibins / analysis*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Pituitary Gland / chemistry*
  • Pituitary Gland / cytology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • Thyrotropin / metabolism*
  • Xenopus laevis / physiology*

Substances

  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary
  • Activins
  • Inhibins
  • Thyrotropin
  • Growth Hormone