The relationship of intraglandular colloid production to hormone synthesis

The production of intraglandular colloid, brought about by the cyclic breakdown of intermediate lobe cells, is related to the synthesis of hormones in the hypophysis. By analyzing the 'shift' of the amino acid, cystine, during various phases of the gland's cycle it is apparent that hormones, as well as other protein determinants of immunological importance, are transported by way of the intraglandular cleft to the venous circulation and to the cerebrospinal fluid.