Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the rat anterior pituitary gland

The anterior pituitary is a central endocrine regulator of numerous physiological functions, including reproduction, growth, metabolism, and stress responses. Here we report single-cell transcriptome profiling of over 6700 individual freshly dispersed anterior pituitary cells from postpubertal male and female rats. We find that the anterior pituitary is composed of ~50% hormone producing cells, ~35% folliculostellate cells and ~15% endothelial and blood cells. Folliculostellate cells exhibit impressive transcriptome diversity, indicating major roles in pituitary development and regeneration, production of endogenous ligands and detoxification enzymes, and organization of extracellular matrix. Transcriptome profiles of hormone producing cells also indicate contributions toward those functions, while clearly demonstrating their function as endocrine cells. Sex specificity in gene expression is most prominent within the lactotroph, gonadotroph, and somatotroph lineages. This survey provides a thorough transcriptional assessment of adult male and female anterior pituitary, critical for developing a deeper understanding of pituitary functions and related disorders.