Harry B. Friedgood

Differentiation of Two Classes of Acidophiles in the Anterior Pituitary of the Female Rabbit and Cat

A differential stain for the anterior pituitary of mammals, based directly on Heidenhains ‘azan’ modification of Mallorys connective tissue stain has been devised. Tissue is fixed for 24 hours in a saturated solution of corrosive sublimate in physiological saline (90 parts) and formalin (10 parts) and washed directly in 70% alcohol for 48 hours. Sections are treated on the slide with a 3% solution of potassium bichromate for 12 hours. Two classes of acidophiles are demonstrated: one which stains selectively with azocarmine; and the ordinary acidophile which stains with orange G. The special acidophile has been demonstrated in the female rabbit and cat but has not been found in the mouse or rat.