Fibroblast growth factor signaling is required for the proliferation and patterning of progenitor cells in the developing anterior pituitary

The proliferation and patterning of progenitor cells in the anterior pituit ary require signals derived from the neuroepithelium of the juxtaposed infu ndibulum. The infundibulum expresses Fibroblast growth factor. (Fgf) 8 and Fgf 18, and FGFs can mimic some of the activities of the infundibulum. The requirement for FGF signaling during growth and patterning of the anterior pituitary has not, however, been established. By blocking FGF receptor sign aling in explants of the anterior pituitary cultured in vitro we provide ev idence that FGF signaling derived from the infundibulum is required for the proliferation and patterning of progenitor cells in the anterior pituitary . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.