Anatomical variations of foramen of the diaphragma sellae and neighboring structures: a cadaveric study

The aim of our study was to examine the variations and types of foramen of diaphragma sellae (FDS) and their relationship with nearby surgical landmarks on cadavers.Twenty adult (9 male, 11 female) formalin-fixed cadaveric heads were bilaterally used to analyze the anatomical relationships around the supradiaphragmatic region of sella turcica. Lengths and distances of nearby surgical landmarks were measured by a digital microcaliper. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the comparison between genders and body sides. Dorsum sellae distances to tuberculum sellae and the optic chiasm(OC) were higher in males than females (p < 0.05). Type 8 infundibulum passage was the most common variation with 50%. There was no finding related to types 1-4 of infundibulum passage. Thus, the present study has indicated that the infundibulum passes mostly from the posterior half of the foramen. The shape of the foramen was irregular in 45%, circular in 20%, sagittally oval in 20%, and horizontally oval in 15% of the cases. The OC was noted normal in 60%, prefixed in 35%, and postfixed in 5% of the cases. Comprehensive anatomical knowledge about the types of the FDS and their neighboring structures is crucial for preoperative planning of sellar region diseases in terms of navigating the region when accessing the foramen. Discrimination of variations of FDS, OC, and pituitary stalk, their relationships, and differences between genders is useful to minimize potential surgical complications.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists counteract interferon-γ - induced barrier dysfunction in bovine and human endothelial cells

GHRH regulates the secretion of GH from the anterior pituitary gland. An emerging body of evidence suggests that the activities of that neuropeptide are not limited to the GH/IGF-I axis, but they expand towards the mediation of inflammatory processes. GHRHAnt were developed to oppose the activities of GHRH in malignancies, and have been associated with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in a diverse variety of tissues, including the lungs. In the present study we report that GHRHAnt oppose interferon-γ - induced paracellular hyperpermeability and reactive oxygen species generation in bovine and human pulmonary endothelial cells; and suppress interferon-γ - triggered STAT3, cofilin and ERK1/2 activation. Our observations substantiate previous findings on the protective effects of GHRHAnt in endothelial inflammation and barrier break-down.

Missing pieces of the pituitary puzzle: participation of extra-adenohypophyseal placode-lineage cells in the adult pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a major endocrine tissue composing of two distinct entities, the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary, cranial placode origin) and the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary, neural ectoderm origin), and plays important roles in maintaining vital homeostasis. This tissue is maintained by a slow, consistent cell-renewal system of adult stem/progenitor cells. Recent accumulating evidence shows that neural crest-, head mesenchyme-, and endoderm lineage cells invade during pituitary development and contribute to the maintenance of the adult pituitary gland. Based on these novel observations, this article discusses whether these lineage cells are involved in pituitary organogenesis, maintenance, regeneration, dysplasia, or tumors.

A case report of dangerous pelvic infundibulum ligament in the second trimester of pregnancy with massive hemorrhage

RATIONALE

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare ectopic pregnancy and its diagnosis and treatment are more challenging than those of other ectopic pregnancies. Because of a variable pregnancy site, abdominal pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fatal abdominal hemorrhage, and consequently, an increased risk of maternal death compared with intrauterine pregnancy.

DIAGNOSES

Pelvic infundibulum ligament pregnancy complicated with massive hemorrhage.

PATIENT CONCERNS

42-year-old pregnant woman who did not undergo an obstetric examination during the first trimester presented with sudden abdominal pain during the second trimester. Abdominal pregnancy was confirmed after emergency treatment, causing difficulty in the comprehensive preoperative evaluation.Interventions: In order to save the patient life, we actively carried out surgical treatment.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after the operation and was discharged on the 11th postoperative day. Blood β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels and routine blood test results were normal 1 month after the surgery, and the patient had recovered.

LESSONS

Several challenges are encountered in the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy with regard to insufficient economic, cultural, and medical resources. In case of ectopic pregnancies, surgery should be the first choice of treatment, and preparations of blood transfusion are essential to combat the risk of rapid hemorrhagic shock caused by placenta implantation in the infundibulum ligament of the pelvis. The operation must be performed by experienced obstetricians and gynecologists.

Ovulation is triggered by a cyclical modulation of gonadotropes into a hyperexcitable state

Gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland are essential for fertility and provide a functional link between the brain and the gonads. To trigger ovulation, gonadotrope cells release massive amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH). The mechanism underlying this remains unclear. Here, we utilize a mouse model expressing a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator exclusively in gonadotropes to dissect this mechanism in intact pituitaries. We demonstrate that female gonadotropes exclusively exhibit a state of hyperexcitability during the LH surge, resulting in spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients in these cells, which persist in the absence of any in vivo hormonal signals. L-type Ca2+ channels and transient receptor potential channel A1 (TRPA1) together with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels ensure this state of hyperexcitability. Consistent with this, virus-assisted triple knockout of Trpa1 and L-type Ca2+ subunits in gonadotropes leads to vaginal closure in cycling females. Our data provide insight into molecular mechanisms required for ovulation and reproductive success in mammals.

Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome in a 54-year Adult Male

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare disease with isolated growth hormone deficiency or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies; and is characterised by a thin or absent pituitary stalk, hypoplasia of the adenohypophysis, and ectopic neurohypophysis. The literature have reported primarily on cases of infants and young people, and there are few reports in adults. A case is presented here of a 54-year male, who reported dizziness accompanied by fatigue and anorexia for more than 20 days; and the results from the blood tests showed a general decline in growth hormone, thyrotropin, and sex hormone levels. On the basis of the medical history, laboratory and imaging examination, a diagnosis of PSIS was made. After treatment, the patient's condition as well as laboratory results returned to normal. In summary, PSIS can also occur in adults. In the suspected cases, magnetic resonance imaging should be done in time to diagnose and manage it appropriately early in the course of the disease. Key Words: Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, Pituitary hormone deficiency, Adults.

PACAP/GCGa Is an Important Modulator of the Amphioxus CNS-Hatschek's Pit Axis, the Homolog of the Vertebrate Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis in the Basal Chordates

The Hatschek's pit in the cephalochordate amphioxus, an invertebrate deuterostome basal to chordates is suggested to be the functional homolog structure of the vertebrate adenohypophysis based on anatomy and expression of homologous neuroendocrine genes. However, the endocrine potential of the cephalochordate Hatschek's pit remains to be demonstrated as well as the physiological actions of the secreted neuropeptides. In this study, we have explored the distribution and characterize the potential function of the amphioxus PACAP/GCG precursor, which is the ortholog of the hypothalamic PACAP neuropeptide in vertebrates. In amphioxi, two PACAP/GCG transcripts PACAP/GCGa and PACAP/GCGbc that are alternative isoforms of a single gene with different peptide coding potentials were isolated. Immunofluorescence staining detected their expression around the nucleus of Rohde, supporting that this structure may be homologous of the neurosecretory cells of the vertebrate hypothalamus where abundant PACAP is found. PACAP/GCGa was also detected in the infundibulum-like downgrowth approaching the Hatschek's pit, indicating diffusion of PACAP/GCGa from the CNS to the pit via the infundibulum-like downgrowth. Under a high salinity challenge, PACAP/GCGa was upregulated in amphioxi head and PACAP/GCGa treatment increased expression of GHl in Hatschek's pit in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that PACAP/GCGa may be involved in the regulation of GHl via hypothalamic-pituitary (HP)-like axis similar as in the vertebrates. Our results support that the amphioxus Hatschek's pit is likely to be the functional homolog of pituitary gland in vertebrates.

Expression of Rasd1 in mouse endocrine pituitary cells and its response to dexamethasone

Dexamethasone-induced Ras-related protein 1 (Rasd1) is a member of the Ras superfamily of monomeric G proteins that have a regulatory function in signal transduction. Rasd1, also known as Dexras1 or AGS1, is rapidly induced by dexamethasone (Dex). While prior data indicates that Rasd1 is highly expressed in the pituitary and that the gene may function in regulation of corticotroph activity, its exact cellular localization in this tissue has not been delineated. Nor has it been determined which endocrine pituitary cell type(s) are responsive to Dex-induced expression of Rasd1. We hypothesized that Rasd1 is primarily localized in corticotrophs and furthermore, that its expression in these cells would be upregulated in response to exogenous Dex administration. Rasd1 expression in each pituitary cell type both under basal conditions and 1-hour post Dex treatment were examined in adult male mice. While a proportion of all endocrine pituitary cell types expressed Rasd1, a majority of corticotrophs and thyrotrophs expressed Rasd1 under basal condition. In vehicle treated animals, approximately 50-60% of corticotrophs and thyrotrophs cells expressed Rasd1 while the gene was detected in only 15-30% of lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and gonadotrophs. In Dex treated animals, Rasd1 expression was significantly increased in corticotrophs, somatotrophs, lactotrophs, and gonadotrophs but not thyrotrophs. In Dex treated animals, Rasd1 was detected in 80-95% of gonadotrophs and corticotrophs. In contrast, Dex treatment increased Rasd1 expression to a lesser extent (55-60%) in somatotrophs and lactotrophs. Corticotrophs of the pars intermedia, which lack glucocorticoid receptors, failed to display increased Rasd1 expression in Dex treated animals. Rasd1 is highly expressed in corticotrophs under basal conditions and is further increased after Dex treatment, further supporting its role in glucocorticoid negative feedback. In addition, the presence and Dex-induced expression of Rasd1 in endocrine pituitary cell types, other than corticotrophs, may implicate Rasd1 in novel pituitary functions.

[Ectopia of the pituitary]

The adenohypophysis has a large intrasellar part and two small parts at the pituitary stalk and the pharynx. Near this extrasellar pituitary tissue, and also in sinus sphenoidalis and sinus cavernosus, ectopic pituitary adenomas can develop. They are indistinguishable in structure and function from usual intrasellar adenomas. The neurohypophysis can show dystopias within complex malformations. In so-called pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, a real ectopia of the neurohypophysis is found at the eminentia mediana of the hypothalamus. Ectopic tissue in the pituitary is extremely rare: foci of ganglionic cells were found in the neurohypophysis and adrenocortical tissue in the adenohypophysis. Focal squamous epithelia in the anterior pituitary are a common finding but they are rather metaplastic from parenchymal cells than ectopic tissue. Small foci of ectopic salivary gland tissue are not rare in the intermediate zone.

Attivita Progesteronica Pre-Ovulatoria E Sua Influenza Inibitrice Sul Ciclo Mestruale: Il valore del trattamento follicolostimolante e prolattina

Referring to a previous paper, it is stated that in some cases a progestonal activity may subsist in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This progestonal activity is supposed to inhibit the corpus luteum development of the actual cycle. In fact in these cases the basal body temperature is observed to be of irregular type and the endometrium shows a mixed folliculo-progestional picture. Vaginal smears do not show signs of an efficient luteinic activity.

In such cases, the stimulating action of the LTH hormone, alone or associated with prolactin, does not modify the picture observed before treatment. A modification is obtained only by a previous gonadotropic stimulation in suitable doses and during the follicular phase.

In cases in which the progestional activity is deficient and of short duration but the first phase of the cycle is not troubled by a persisting progestional activity, the highest secretory response is obtained by prolactin administered during the second half of the cycle (endometrial picture similar to that of initial pregnancy, vaginal smear with intense activity of the basophilic elements, prolongation of the secretory phase of the cycle). 2 out of 4 cases who underwent this treatment recovered even from sterility.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis associated with Behcet's disease: A case report and review of the literature

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a rare inflammatory disorder involving the pituitary gland, often with other autoimmune diseases combined. The coexistence of LH and Behçet\'s disease (BD) is a rare combination and only one case was reported in the previous literatures. A 50-year-old man was admitted into Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital presented with frontal headache and fatigue which had lasted for four months. Endocrinological inspection indicated anterior pituitary dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed homogeneous pituitary enlargement and thickened pituitary stalk. Administration of glucocorticoids could effectively relieve headache and reduced pituitary mass volume. Oral aphthosis, skin lesions and positive pathergy tests were recognized later, which were characteristic features of BD. Although the diagnosis of BD is mainly dependent on clinical manifestations, PT is still a useful diagnostic tool 0f high specificityfor BD. And this male patient was diagnosed with both LH and BD afterwards. Then he was treated with cyclophosphamide and medium doses of methylprednisolone and remained in good conditions at the follow-up. LH and BD might share a common underlying autoimmune pathogenesis. The presentation of endocrinologic disturbances such as anterior pituitary dysfunction with typical features of skin lesions should prompt further investigation of possible comorbid autoimmune disease involving multiple organ systems. Early diagnosis and close monitoring are vitally important to ensure a stable endocrinologic status.

Symptomatic Granular Cell Tumor Involving the Pituitary Gland in a Dog: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A granular cell tumor involving the pituitary gland, optic chiasm and ventral pyriform lobes was discovered in a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever. Clinical signs included acute blindness, seizures, ataxia, weakness, and behavioral changes. The diagnosis was established by histopathologic and ultrastructural examination of neoplastic tissues collected at necropsy. Granular cell tumors involving the central nervous system are well documented in humans but rarely have been described in dogs. The location of the neoplasm and the clinical symptoms seen in this dog closely parallel those of a rare syndrome in humans commonly described as symptomatic parasellar or pituitary granular cell tumors. The cell of origin for these tumors is still highly debated, and attempts to characterize human granular cell tumors through immunohistochemistry have produced conflicting results. An immunohistochemical profile of this neoplasm revealed focal positive staining for vimentin with a lack of staining for neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100, and synaptophysin. All neoplastic cells were strongly positive with the periodic acid-Schiff reaction.

Effect of ovine luteinizing hormone (oLH) charge isoforms on VEGF and cAMP production

Although an increase in VEGF expression and synthesis in association with LH has been established; it is unknown if all LH isoforms act similarly. This study evaluated the production of cAMP and VEGF among LH isoforms in two in vitro bioassays. The LH was obtained from hypophyses and the group of isoforms was isolated by chromatofocusing. cAMP production was assessed using the in vitro bioassay of HEK-293 cells and VEGF production was evaluated in granulosa cells. Immunological activity was measured with a homologous RIA. Immunoactivity and bioactivity for each isoform were compared against a standard, by estimating the IC50 and the EC50. The basic isoforms were more immunoactive than the standard. The neutral and the moderately acidic had an immunological activity similar to the standard. The acidic isoform was the least immunoreactive. cAMP production at the EC50 dose was similar among the basic isoforms, the moderately acidic and the standard; for the neutral and the acidic, the EC50 dose was higher. It was observed that compared with the control, VEGF production at the lowest LH dose was no different in the standard and each isoform. In the intermediate dose, a positive response was caused in the standard and the neutral and basic isoforms. Although the acidic isoform showed a dose-dependent response, it was not significant relative to the control. In conclusion, the basic isoform generated the greatest cAMP and VEGF production, similar to the reference standard, and the acidic the smallest.

Metabolic impact of adult-onset, isolated, growth hormone deficiency (AOiGHD) due to destruction of pituitary somatotropes

Growth hormone (GH) inhibits fat accumulation and promotes protein accretion, therefore the fall in GH observed with weight gain and normal aging may contribute to metabolic dysfunction. To directly test this hypothesis a novel mouse model of adult onset-isolated GH deficiency (AOiGHD) was generated by cross breeding rat GH promoter-driven Cre recombinase mice (Cre) with inducible diphtheria toxin receptor mice (iDTR) and treating adult Cre^+/−,iDTR^+/− offspring with DT to selectively destroy the somatotrope population of the anterior pituitary gland, leading to a reduction in circulating GH and IGF-I levels. DT-treated Cre^−/−,iDTR^+/− mice were used as GH-intact controls. AOiGHD improved whole body insulin sensitivity in both low-fat and high-fat fed mice. Consistent with improved insulin sensitivity, indirect calorimetry revealed AOiGHD mice preferentially utilized carbohydrates for energy metabolism, as compared to GH-intact controls. In high-fat, but not low-fat fed AOiGHD mice, fat mass increased, hepatic lipids decreased and glucose clearance and insulin output were impaired. These results suggest the age-related decline in GH helps to preserve systemic insulin sensitivity, and in the context of moderate caloric intake, prevents the deterioration in metabolic function. However, in the context of excess caloric intake, low GH leads to impaired insulin output, and thereby could contribute to the development of diabetes.

OTX2 loss of function mutation causes anophthalmia and combined pituitary hormone deficiency with a small anterior and ectopic posterior pituitary

CONTEXT

Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) is a transcription factor necessary for ocular and forebrain development. In humans, heterozygous mutations of OTX2 cause severe ocular malformations. However, whether mutations of OTX2 cause pituitary structural abnormalities or combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) has not been clarified.

OBJECTIVES

We surveyed the functional consequences of a novel OTX2 mutation that was detected in a patient with anophthalmia and CPHD.

PATIENT

We examined a Japanese patient with growth disturbance, anophthalamia, and severe developmental delay. He showed deficiencies in GH, TSH, LH, FSH, and ACTH. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small anterior pituitary gland, invisible stalk, ectopic posterior lobe, and Chiari malformation.

RESULTS

Sequence analysis of OTX2 demonstrated a heterozygous two bases insertion [S136fsX178 (c.576-577insCT)] in exon 3. The mutant Otx2 protein localized to the nucleus, but did not activate the promoter of the HESX1 and POU1F1 gene, indicating a loss of function mutation. No dominant negative effect in the presence of wild-type Otx2 was observed.

CONCLUSION

This case indicates that the OTX2 mutation is a cause of CPHD. Further study of more patients with OTX2 defects is necessary to clarify the clinical phenotypes and endocrine defects caused by OTX2 mutations.

Impaired NH2-terminal processing of human proislet amyloid polypeptide by the prohormone convertase PC2 leads to amyloid formation and cell death

Islet amyloid, formed by aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP; amylin), is a pathological characteristic of the pancreas in type 2 diabetes and may contribute to the progressive loss of beta-cells in this disease. We tested the hypothesis that impaired processing of the IAPP precursor proIAPP contributes to amyloid formation and cell death. GH3 cells lacking the prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) and IAPP and with very low levels of prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) were transduced with adenovirus (Ad) expressing human or rat (control) proIAPP linked to green fluorescent protein, with or without Ad-PC2 or Ad-PC1/3. Expression of human proIAPP increased the number of transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells 96 h after transduction (+hIAPP 8.7 +/- 0.4% vs. control 3.0 +/- 0.4%; P < 0.05). COOH-terminal processing of human proIAPP by PC1/3 increased (hIAPP+PC1/3 10.4 +/- 0.7%; P < 0.05), whereas NH(2)-terminal processing of proIAPP by addition of PC2 markedly decreased (hIAPP+PC2 5.5 +/- 0.5%; P < 0.05) the number of apoptotic GH3 cells. Islets from mice lacking PC2 and with beta-cell expression of human proIAPP (hIAPP(+/+)/PC2(-/-)) developed amyloid associated with beta-cell death during 2-week culture. Rescue of PC2 expression by ex vivo transduction with Ad-PC2 restored NH(2)-terminal processing to mature IAPP and decreased both the extent of amyloid formation and the number of TUNEL-positive cells (-PC2 26.5 +/- 4.1% vs. +PC2 16.1 +/- 4.3%; P < 0.05). These findings suggest that impaired NH(2)-terminal processing of proIAPP leads to amyloid formation and cell death and that accumulation of the NH(2)-terminally extended human proIAPP intermediate may be a critical initiating step in amyloid formation.

A new mutation in the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor gene in two Israeli Arab families

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the GHRH receptor gene (GHRH-R) are emerging as a common cause of familial isolated GH deficiency (IGHD).

DESIGN

We searched for GHRH-R mutations in 10 patients with IGHD of Israeli-Arab origin, belonging to two highly consanguineous families.

METHODS

Analysis of the 13 coding exons, the intron-exon boundaries, and the proximal promoter of the GHRH-R was performed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Abnormally migrating bands were sequenced. The newly found mutation was inserted into GHRH-R cDNA. Wild type and mutant receptor were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and the cAMP response to GHRH was measured.

RESULTS

All patients were homozygous for a novel GHRH-R missense mutation in exon 11 that replaces arginine with cysteine (R357C). Functional assay demonstrated complete inactivity of the mutant receptor in vitro. The prevalence of the mutant allele in the Israeli-Arab population was found to be 2%. All the patients had low but detectable GH reserve, proportionate short stature, and growth retardation since early childhood, with good growth response to GH treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging, performed in 3 patients, revealed a normal sized anterior pituitary in one patient evaluated at early childhood, and a borderline hypoplastic gland in the 2 patients evaluated at puberty.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a novel missense mutation in the GHRH-R. The high incidence of the mutant allele in Israeli Arabs suggests that the mutation may be a common cause of familial IGHD in this population.

Over- and underdosage of SOX3 is associated with infundibular hypoplasia and hypopituitarism

Duplications of Xq26-27 have been implicated in the etiology of X-linked hypopituitarism associated with mental retardation (MR). Additionally, an expansion of a polyalanine tract (by 11 alanines) within the transcription factor SOX3 (Xq27.1) has been reported in patients with growth hormone deficiency and variable learning difficulties. We report a submicroscopic duplication of Xq27.1, the smallest reported to date (685.6 kb), in two siblings with variable hypopituitarism, callosal abnormalities, anterior pituitary hypoplasia (APH), an ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP), and an absent infundibulum. This duplication contains SOX3 and sequences corresponding to two transcripts of unknown function; only Sox3 is expressed in the infundibulum in mice. Next, we identified a novel seven-alanine expansion within a polyalanine tract in SOX3 in a family with panhypopituitarism in three male siblings with an absent infundibulum, severe APH, and EPP. This mutation led to reduced transcriptional activity, with impaired nuclear localization of the mutant protein. We also identified a novel polymorphism (A43T) in SOX3 in another child with hypopituitarism. In contrast to findings in previous studies, there was no evidence of MR or learning difficulties in our patients. We conclude that both over- and underdosage of SOX3 are associated with similar phenotypes, consisting of infundibular hypoplasia and hypopituitarism but not necessarily MR.

Effect of gsp oncogene on somatostatin receptor subtype 1 and 2 mRNA levels in GHRH-responsive GH3 cells

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) signals via G protein-coupled receptors (GHRH-R) to enhance intracellular Galphas/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signaling, which in turn has positive effects on GH synthesis and release, as well as proliferation of the GH-producing cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Some GH-producing pituitary tumors express a constitutively active mutant form of Galphas (gsp oncogene). It has been reported that these tumors are more responsive to octreotide therapy. In this study we used a rat GH-producing cell line (GH3) stably transfected with the human GHRH-R cDNA (GH3-GHRHR cells) as a model to study the effects of gsp oncogene on somatostatin (SRIH) receptor subtype 1 and 2 (sst1 and sst2) mRNA levels. Transient transfection of gsp oncogene in GH3-GHRHR cells for 48 h increased intracellular cAMP levels and GH release. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4, sst1 and sst2 mRNA levels were increased by G protein mutation as assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Increased PDE mRNA levels in gsp-transfected cells may be a compensatory mechanism to the constitutive activation of cAMP-dependent pathway by G protein mutation and is consistent with reports of higher PDE expression in human pituitary tumor that express gsp. Our data suggest that higher expression of sst1 and sst2 mRNA induced by the gsp oncogene may be a mechanism by which gsp-positive tumors show a greater response to SRIH. GH3 cells permanently transfected with GHRH-R can be used for in vitro studies of actions of GHRH.

Incidence of growth hormone deficiency in pediatric-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis: efficacy and safety of growth hormone treatment

We retrospectively studied 61 patients with GH deficiency (GHD), identified among 589 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) enrolled in a nationwide survey between 1993 and 2001. Overall, 141 patients in the survey developed diabetes insipidus. The median follow-up of the 61 patients with GHD was 12 yr. The 5- and 10-yr risks of GHD among patients with diabetes insipidus were 34.7 +/- 4.5% and 53.7 +/- 5.2%, respectively. Growth velocity decreased soon after LCH diagnosis in patients who developed GHD, and anterior pituitary height, estimated by magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly reduced relative to patients who remained free of GHD. GH replacement therapy was administered to 47 of the 61 patients with GHD. Among GH-treated patients, median final height (-0.8 SD) was significantly greater than median height at GHD diagnosis (-1.6 SD) but remained below midparental (target) height. Among patients with pituitary involvement, the number of LCH disease episodes appeared not significantly influenced by GHD or GH administration, suggesting an absence of deleterious effect of GH therapy on LCH disease activity.

A case of anterior hypopituitarism showing recurrent pituitary mass associated with central diabetes insipidus

We report a case of anterior hypopituitarism showing recurrent pituitary mass associated with central diabetes insipidus. A 76-year old woman was hospitalized with general fatigue and 5 kg body weight loss. Endocrinological examinations and pituitary provocative tests demonstrated hypopituitarism and central diabetes insipidus. T1-weighted image of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intrasellar cystic mass with ring enhancement suggesting pituitary abscess. MRI films subsequently obtained from another hospital and studied retrospectively showed intrasellar cystic mass with ring enhancement 4 years earlier, and a mass shape that was decreased after 2 years. Over the subsequent years, the patient has remained asymptomatic with hormone replacement therapy only. Cystic pituitary adenoma or Rathke's cleft cyst with repeated infection may be involved in the repeated change of pituitary mass shape although neither pituitary surgery nor a pituitary biopsy was performed because of the patient's age and condition. It is reported that apparent recurrence of Rathke's cleft cysts after initially successful surgery was higher than suggested by previous reports, and that long-term follow-up with pituitary imaging and neuroophthalmological assessment is essential. Careful evaluation by follow-up brain MRI is needed in the present case to prevent future recurrence of pituitary abscess.

Chromogranin A proteolysis to generate beta-granin and WE-14 in the adenohypophysis during the rat oestrous cycle

Immunohistochemical analysis of the male and female rat adenohypophysis revealed that chromogranin A (CgA), beta-granin and WE-14 immunostaining was localised to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) producing cells, while luteinizing hormone (LH) producing cells exhibited chromogranin A and beta-granin immunostaining. The intensity of chromogranin A, beta-granin and WE-14 immunostaining exhibited variation during the oestrous cycle; weak immunostaining was observed during proestrous and oestrous, corresponding with the lowest cellular concentration of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone. Chromogranin A and beta-granin immunostaining were similar in both the male and female (at dioestrous), however, a larger number of more intense WE-14 immunopositive cells were evident in the male adenohypophysis relative to the female at any stage of the cycle. The tissue and plasma concentrations of beta-granin and WE-14 immunoreactivity fluctuated throughout the oestrous cycle. Maximum and minimum beta-granin and WE-14 tissue concentration counterpoised the latent maximum and minimum plasma concentration. Chromatographic analysis of adenohypophysis extracts revealed the degree of chromogranin A proteolysis throughout the oestrous cycle; in contrast, plasma profiles consistently possessed a large chromogranin A-like immunoreactant. This data suggests that chromogranin A biosynthesis, proteolysis and the secretion of its derived peptides parallels that of the gonadotroph hormones throughout the oestrous cycle.

Silent corticotroph carcinoma of the adenohypophysis: a report of five cases

We report five silent corticotroph carcinomas of the pituitary gland. They represent 0.05% of adenohypophyseal tumors surgically treated at Mayo Clinic during a 20-year period and about 5% of all reported pituitary carcinomas. The patients (three females and two males), ranging in age from 26 to 58 years (mean 39 years, median 35 years) presented with symptoms of mass effect; none had Cushing's disease. All tumors were initially invasive macroadenomas, recurred locally, and metastasized, three outside the central nervous system. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 23 years (mean 10.6 years). All patients died, four of disseminated tumor and one of myocardial infarction. Histologically, three of the primary lesions were indistinguishable from an ordinary benign adenoma. Two were initially diagnosed as atypical adenomas as they featured nuclear pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, mitotic activity, high MIB-1 labeling indices, and p53 overexpression. For the purpose of comparison, 17 silent corticotroph adenomas were also investigated. In addition, the clinicopathologic features of the silent carcinomas were compared with those of a meta-analysis of published Cushing's disease-associated pituitary carcinomas. The silent adrenocorticotropin carcinomas showed a propensity for extraneural dissemination and an outcome similar to those of the Cushing's disease-associated carcinomas. The two patients with initial atypical tumors died with metastases outside the central nervous system at 2 and 4 years, whereas the three patients with tumors lacking atypia died 16, 18, and 23 years after initial sellar surgery.

Exacerbation of ovarian hyperstimulation by leuprolide reveals a gonadotroph adenoma

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of a gonadotroph adenoma diagnosed after a dramatic increase in estradiol level and ovarian hyperstimulation in response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Outpatient practice and university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 35-year-old woman who presented with infertility, amenorrhea, and an elevated basal estradiol concentration.

INTERVENTION(S)

Ultrasonography, laparoscopy, endocrinologic assays, magnetic resonance imaging, transsphenoidal surgery, and immunocytochemical staining.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ultrasonography and laparoscopy demonstrated bilaterally enlarged ovaries containing multiple preovulatory follicles, similar in appearance in those women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with exogenous FSH. The serum estradiol level was moderately elevated, the FSH level was within the normal range, and LH was suppressed. Administration of leuprolide acetate resulted in very elevated estradiol concentrations and even larger ovarian cysts. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sellar mass. Examination of the tissue excised by transsphenoidal excision of the mass showed a pituitary adenoma that stained strongly for FSH.

RESULT(S)

Regular menses resumed soon after excision of the gonadotroph adenoma, followed by a spontaneous pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Gonadotroph adenoma should be suspected in a reproductive age woman with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, infertility, multiple preovulatory follicles, and a persistently elevated serum estradiol concentration. Exacerbation of the ovarian hyperstimulation in response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in this setting also strongly suggests a gonadotroph adenoma but can be avoided by recognizing the presenting features of this condition.