Mo. Rev. Stat. § 58.770
When an autopsy is performed by a coroner's physician or medical examiner under authority granted by sections 58.451 and 58.725, the physician or medical examiner may retain the pituitary gland removed at the time of autopsy unless a contrary indication was given by the decedent or is declared by the next of kin for purposes of medical research, education and therapy.
(L. 1977 H.B. 726 § 1)