PITUITARY-GLAND FUNCTION AFTER DISCONNECTION FROM DIRECT HYPOTHALAMIC INFLUENCES IN THE SHEEP

Abstract

A surgical procedure is described for isolating the pituitary gland from hypothalamic influences in sheep. The procedure results in total deafferentation of the stalk and median eminence but maintains the blood supply to the pituitary gland. The median eminence, pituitary stalk and anterior face of the pituitary gland were exposed by a transnasal, transphenoidal approach. In early studies section of the pituitary stalk as close as possible to the pituitary gland caused almost total infarction of the gland. Attempts were made to disconnect the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus by section immediately above the lateral inputs of the superior hypophyseal arteries but variable results were ob..