Endocrine System

Pituitary Gland, Pars Distalis - Atrophy

    Narrative
    Pituitary Gland, Pars distalis - Atrophy in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. The pars distalis (asterisk) is reduced in size and contains a focal aggregate of yellow-brown pigment (likely hemosiderin) within macrophages (arrow).
    Pituitary Gland, Pars distalis - Atrophy in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. Higher magnification of Figure 1 shows the reduction in the size of the pars distalis (asterisk) and the focal aggregate of macrophages (arrow) containing yellow-brown pigment (likely hemosiderin).
    Pituitary Gland, Pars distalis - Atrophy in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. Higher magnification of Figure 2 shows that the atrophic pars distalis has a paucity of cells and that macrophages containing yellow-brown pigment (likely hemosiderin) are present in the atrophic tissue.
    Pituitary Gland, Pars distalis - Atrophy in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. Higher magnification of Figure 3 shows the atrophic pars distalis with the pigment laden macrophages in greater detail.

    Authors

    Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
    Senior Pathologist
    Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
    Research Triangle Park, NC

    Amy Brix, DVM, PhD, DACVP
    Senior Pathologist
    Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
    Research Triangle Park, NC

    Reviewers

    Thomas J. Rosol, DVM, PhD, DACVP
    Professor of Veterinary Biosciences
    Senior Advisor, Life Sciences, Technology Commercialization and Knowledge Transfer
    The Ohio State University
    Columbus, OH

    Deepa B. Rao, BVSc, MS, PhD, DABT, DACVP
    NTP Pathologist (Contractor)
    Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
    Research Triangle Park, NC