The direct action of 17 p-estradiol and cholesterol on cells of the pituitary pars distalis, as revealed by staining with peroxidase-labeled antibody, was studied in female rats. Pellets of pure cholesterol and of estradiol mixed with cholesterol were implanted into the left lobe of the pars distalis 14-32 days after ovariectomy and left in place for 7-16 days. Rabbit antisera to rat prolactin,...