The orca (<i>Orcinus orca</i>) pituitary gland: an anatomical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

ABSTRACT: The pituitary gland is central to endocrine regulation in vertebrates, coordinating key physiological processes such as growth, reproduction, and stress responses. In cetaceans, and particularly in large odontocetes like orcas (Orcinus orca), understanding pituitary structure is essential for advancing neuroendocrine research and informing welfare and health assessments. Despite their ecological, cognitive, and conservation significance, detailed morphological studies of the orca pituitary gland remain scarce. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive structural and ultrastructural analysis of the orca pituitary gland using postmortem samples from four captive individuals. We combined computed tomography, histology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy to examine th

SUBMITTER: Alonso-Almorox P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310606 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature