The renin‐angiotensin system in the rat anterior pituitary: Colocalization of renin and angiotensin II in gonadotrophs

Discovery of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the adenohypophysis of several species has prompted speculation concerning the location and possible function of a pituitary RAS. Although both renin and angiotensin II have been localized within the rat adenohypophysis, their colocalization has not been previously demonstrated within the same cells. In the present study, immunohistochemical staining by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique was used to demonstrate the coexistence of renin and angiotensin II in adenohypophyseal cells identified morphologically and immunocytochemically as gonadotrophs. These results support the existence of an adenohypophyseal RAS, at least part of which is under intracellular control. The influence of this system on control of fluid balance, blood pressure, and the secretion of other hypophyseal hormones is discussed.