Staining and histochemical methods, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy were used to individualize the somatotropic cells in the adenohypophyseal pars distalis of the non-hibernating hedgehog. One cell-type was differentiated; their characteristics at the light and electron microscopic levels were presented. Immunofluorescence has confirmed the functional significance of this cell-type and the validity of the denomination ‘somatotropic cells’.

Staining and histochemical methods, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy were used to individualize the prolactin cells in the adenohypophyseal pars distalis of the nonhibernating hedgehog. One cell type was differentiated; their characteristics at the light and electron microscopic levels were presented. Immunofluorescence has confirmed the functional significance of this cell type and the validity of the denomination ‘prolactin cells’.

Staining and histochemical methods, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were used to individualize the opiocorticomelanotropic cells in the adenohypophysis of the non-hibernating hedgehog. One cell type was differentiated; its characteristics at the electron-microscopic level were presented. Immunofluorescence has confirmed the functional significance of this cell type and the validity of the denomination ‘opiocorticomelanotropic cells’.