Ultrastructural localization of gonadotropin and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone in the pituitary gland of a teleost fish (the platyfish).

Immunoreactive luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (irLHRH) and immunoreactive gonadotropin (irGtH) are demonstrated in the pituitary gland of a teleost fish (Xiphophorus maculatus, the platyfish) at the ultrastructural level. Using a immunoperoxidase procedure, irGtH and irLHRH are specifically localized over the secretory granules of both gonadotropes and some cells of the pars intermedia (PI). All other pituitary cell types lack immunoreactive material. A concept of LHRH receptors on gonadotrope granules is discussed and a new function for a class of PI cells is suggested.