This study aimed to elucidate the histological and histochemical structure of the
pituitary gland of the mullet fish (Mugil cephalus). The results indicated that the
pituitary gland of mullet fish (Mugil cephalus) was composed of a defined
adenohypophyseal part interrupted by strands of neurohypophyseal arborization.
Three regions were observed in the adenohypophysis, rostral pars distalis (RPD),
proximal pars distalis (PPD), pars intermedia (PI). By certain histochemical staining
methods, seven cell types were detected in the pituitary gland of Mugil cephalus,
lactotrophs, adrenocorticotrophs in RPD, somatotrophs, gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs
in PPD, melanotrophs and somatolactotrophs in PI. The neurohypophysis consisted of
nerve fibers, pituicytes were dispersed within thin connective tissue rich in blood
capillaries.