抄録
Effects of vitamin E deficiency and low protein intake on the pituitary gland and other endocrine organs in the rats were examined by electron and light microscopy. The rats were divided into four groups fed following diet, (1) 20% casein and vitamin E deficient diet, (2) 20% casein and vitamin E as supplementary diet, (3) 10% casein (low protein) and vitamin E deficient diet and (4) 10% casein and vitamin E as supplementary diet. In vitamin E deficient diet after eight weeks, follicle-stimulating hormone secretory cells in the anterior pituitary showed accelerated secretory function indicated by enlargement of the cell, development of Golgi apparatus and cytoplasmic vacuoles and accumulation of secretory granules. The testis showed degenerating changes in the vitamin E deficient groups. The thyroid and adrenal glands were hypertrophied slightly in the vitamin E deficient groups. The effects of protein intake on the pituitary-gonadal function of the vitamin E deficient rats were not remarkable.
