Technical note: removal of the unfragmented pituitary gland (hypophysectomy) in the rat

A technique to excise the pituitary gland (hypophysis) in rats is described. The basisphenoid bone is reached from the ventral neck and is perforated to expose the pituitary gland and its stalk. An aspirator allows the removal of the hypophysis and the stalk, including pars tuberalis, in one piece. The advantages of this new technique include: 1) immediate verification of the entirety of hypophysectomy; 2) broad operating field which exposes the pituitary stalk up to the hypothalamus; 3) the use of tracheal intubation and artificial respiration to improve postoperative recovery and to allow expanded operation field even during prolonged surgery. Pre- and postoperative care are described. The mean survival rate after this type of operation was 79% in rats weighing 50 to 130 g and 90% in rats larger than 130 g.