Insulin-like growth factors I and II, along with their receptors and binding proteins, play important roles in the growth and function of the pituitary gland. Researchers studied how these components are expressed in the pituitary gland as rats grow from 10 to 60 days old. They found that all parts of the insulin-like growth factor system are present in the pituitary gland, with each showing a specific pattern of expression over time. They also discovered differences in expression between male and female rats. This shows that the insulin-like growth factor system is carefully controlled as the pituitary gland develops, with each component likely playing a specific role in the gland's growth and function.