Regulation of intestinal morphology and GALT by pituitary hormones in the rat

Here, the effects of neurointermediate (NIL), anterior (AL), and total hypophysectomy (HYPOX) on ileal mucosa cells and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are reported. Compared with the sham-operated (SHAM) rats, the villi height and goblet cells numbers were significantly decreased in all groups. Lamina propria area decreased in AL and HYPOX, but not in NIL animals. CD8(+) but not CD4(+) lymphocytes decreased in the HYPOX and NIL groups. Paneth cells did not change, while IgA cells, IgM cells, and secretory IgA were significantly decreased in all groups. NIL but not AL animals lost significant numbers of IgA cells and secretory IgA. In summary, pituitary hormones exert lobe-specific regulatory effects on the gut and on GALT.