Regeneration of the Hypophysial Portal Vessels, after Section of the Hypophysial Stalk, in the Monkey (Macacus rhesus)

Abstract

AFTER section of the hypophysial stalk in the rat, regeneration of the hypophysial portal vessels occurs in the majority of cases¹, and the return of adenohypophysial function (as shown by reproductive activity) may be correlated with this vascular regeneration². In order to see if regeneration of these vessels occurred in the Primates, the pituitary stalk was cut by the sub-temporal route in an adult male monkey (Macacus rhesus, 12.0 kgm.). Post-operatively, the animal remained in a semi-comatose condition for four days, and then returned to an apparently normal state of health and behaviour. Accurate measurements of the water balance were not made; but there was no obvious polyuria or polydipsia. Masturbation was observed on the tenth post-operative day, and again at about fortnightly intervals until the animal was killed.