Endocrine functional reconstruction of cryopreserved pituitary grafts in rabbits

Cryopreserved neonatal pituitary transplantation were carried out in two kinds of rabbits with different MHC The pituitary grafts were transplanted underneath the median eminence of the recipients after hypophysectomy. Blood samples of rabbits in every group were taken at regular intervals for the determinations of serum thyroxin, prolacin, luteinizing hormone and growth hormone. The results showed that cryopreserved neonatal pituitary grafts could survive and function well with or without CsA. It was suggested that cryopreservation method might reduce the immunogenicity of the graft. The results also disclosed that the interrelationship between the pituitary graft and the host's hypothalamus could be established. Key words: Tissue preservation; Pituitary gland/transplantation; Pituitary hormones