1
|
Bian Y, Hahn H, Uhmann A. The hidden hedgehog of the pituitary: hedgehog signaling in development, adulthood and disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219018. [PMID: 37476499 PMCID: PMC10355329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, adult homeostasis and tumorigenesis. However, its engagement in the pituitary gland has been long underestimated although Hedgehog signaling and pituitary embryogenic development are closely linked. Thus, deregulation of this signaling pathway during pituitary development results in malformation of the gland. Research of the last years further implicates a regulatory role of Hedgehog signaling in the function of the adult pituitary, because its activity is also interlinked with homeostasis, hormone production, and most likely also formation of neoplasms of the gland. The fact that this pathway can be efficiently targeted by validated therapeutic strategies makes it a promising candidate for treating pituitary diseases. We here summarize the current knowledge about the importance of Hedgehog signaling during pituitary development and review recent data that highlight the impact of Hedgehog signaling in the healthy and the diseased adult pituitary gland.
Collapse
|
2
|
Fletcher PA, Smiljanic K, Prévide RM, Constantin S, Sherman AS, Coon SL, Stojilkovic SS. The astroglial and stem cell functions of adult rat folliculostellate cells. Glia 2023; 71:205-228. [PMID: 36093576 PMCID: PMC9772113 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian pituitary gland is a complex organ consisting of hormone-producing cells, anterior lobe folliculostellate cells (FSCs), posterior lobe pituicytes, vascular pericytes and endothelial cells, and Sox2-expressing stem cells. We present single-cell RNA sequencing and immunohistofluorescence analyses of pituitary cells of adult female rats with a focus on the transcriptomic profiles of nonhormonal cell types. Samples obtained from whole pituitaries and separated anterior and posterior lobe cells contained all expected pituitary resident cell types and lobe-specific vascular cell subpopulations. FSCs and pituicytes expressed S100B, ALDOC, EAAT1, ALDH1A1, and VIM genes and proteins, as well as other astroglial marker genes, some common and some cell type-specific. We also found that the SOX2 gene and protein were expressed in ~15% of pituitary cells, including FSCs, pituicytes, and a fraction of hormone-producing cells, arguing against its stem cell specificity. FSCs comprised two Sox2-expressing subclusters; FS1 contained more cells but lower genetic diversity, while FS2 contained proliferative cells, shared genes with hormone-producing cells, and expressed genes consistent with stem cell niche formation, regulation of cell proliferation and stem cell pluripotency, including the Hippo and Wnt pathways. FS1 cells were randomly distributed in the anterior and intermediate lobes, while FS2 cells were localized exclusively in the marginal zone between the anterior and intermediate lobes. These data indicate the identity of the FSCs as anterior pituitary-specific astroglia, with FS1 cells representing differentiated cells equipped for classical FSC roles and FS2 cells exhibiting additional stem cell-like features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Fletcher
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kosara Smiljanic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Rafael M. Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Arthur S. Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Steven L. Coon
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Stanko S. Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Anterior pituitary folliculostellate (FS) cells, first described almost 50 years ago, have a wide range of functions with respect to supporting and coordinating endocrine cell function, in particular through paracrine and gap junction-mediated signalling. Our previous studies identified the morphological organisation of FS cells, which mediates coordinated calcium activity throughout the homotypic FS network and allows signalling across the whole pituitary gland. It is also clear that FS cells can modify endocrine output and feedback on pituitary axes over a range of timescales. Recently, several studies have defined FS cells as a source of anterior pituitary endocrine cell renewal, which has resulted in a renaming of FS cells as "Sox2+ve stem cells". Here, we highlight the broader potential of the FS cell population in fine-tuning and coordinating pituitary axes function. In addition, we identify a need for: the definition of the possible subtypes of FS cell and their relationship with the stem cell population; the potential role of FS cells in pulsatile hormone secretion and coordination of heterotypic cell networks; and the roles that FS cells may play in both early-life programming of pituitary axes and in memory, or anticipation, of demand. Further studies of FS cells may demonstrate the fundamental importance of this cell type and its potential as a therapeutic target to correct pituitary gland dysfunction, one of which is stem cell therapy. Clearly, a thorough understanding of all of these interactions and relationships of FS and endocrine cells is required whatever therapeutic use is suggested by their various roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Le Tissier
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Patrice Mollard
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang J, Lv C, Mo C, Liu M, Wan Y, Li J, Wang Y. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Chicken Anterior Pituitary: A Bird's-Eye View on Vertebrate Pituitary. Front Physiol 2021; 12:562817. [PMID: 34267669 PMCID: PMC8276247 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.562817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that anterior pituitary contains multiple endocrine cell populations, and each of them can secrete one/two hormone(s) to regulate vital physiological processes of vertebrates. However, the gene expression profiles of each pituitary cell population remains poorly characterized in most vertebrate groups. Here we analyzed the transcriptome of each cell population in adult chicken anterior pituitaries using single-cell RNA sequencing technology. The results showed that: (1) four out of five known endocrine cell clusters have been identified and designated as the lactotrophs, thyrotrophs, corticotrophs, and gonadotrophs, respectively. Somatotrophs were not analyzed in the current study. Each cell cluster can express at least one known endocrine hormone, and novel marker genes (e.g., CD24 and HSPB1 in lactotrophs, NPBWR2 and NDRG1 in corticotrophs; DIO2 and SOUL in thyrotrophs, C5H11ORF96 and HPGDS in gonadotrophs) are identified. Interestingly, gonadotrophs were shown to abundantly express five peptide hormones: FSH, LH, GRP, CART and RLN3; (2) four non-endocrine/secretory cell types, including endothelial cells (expressing IGFBP7 and CFD) and folliculo-stellate cells (FS-cells, expressing S100A6 and S100A10), were identified in chicken anterior pituitaries. Among them, FS-cells can express many growth factors, peptides (e.g., WNT5A, HBEGF, Activins, VEGFC, NPY, and BMP4), and progenitor/stem cell-associated genes (e.g., Notch signaling components, CDH1), implying that the FS-cell cluster may act as a paracrine/autocrine signaling center and enrich pituitary progenitor/stem cells; (3) sexually dimorphic expression of many genes were identified in most cell clusters, including gonadotrophs and lactotrophs. Taken together, our data provides a bird's-eye view on the diverse aspects of anterior pituitaries, including cell composition, heterogeneity, cell-to-cell communication, and gene expression profiles, which facilitates our comprehensive understanding of vertebrate pituitary biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Lv
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Follicular cells (FCs) are thought to be agranular, non-hormone-producing stellate cells distributed throughout the adenohypophysis, occasionally arranged around colloid-filled follicles, and thought to be more prominent in the vicinity of necrosis and apoptotic cells. A distinct but similar cell type, the folliculostellate cell (FSC), is a sustentacular cell that is negative for keratins and stains for S100, GFAP, and SOX10. While several studies have examined FSCs in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), the distribution and derivation of FCs in these lesions is unclear. We examined the presence and distribution of FCs in 104 PitNETs obtained by trans-sphenoidal surgery, using immunohistochemistry for keratins as well as the full complement of immunohistochemical stains for tumor characterization. The tumors included 9 somatotroph, 5 mammosomatotroph, 7 lactotroph, 7 immature PIT1-lineage, 2 acidophil stem cell, 17 corticotroph, 53 gonadotroph, 2 null cell, and 2 unusual plurihormonal tumors. CK-positive FCs were only identified in gonadotroph PitNETs and were found in 12 (23%) of those tumors; all other tumor types were negative for FCs. FCs express keratins identified by CAM5.2, AE1/AE3, CK18, and CK19 antibodies. FCs were identified scattered singly among hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells, in small clusters of 3-5 cells and surrounding colloid-filled follicles, as well as linearly along intratumoral blood vessels. Sequential stains showed that FCs express nuclear SF1 and GATA3, transcription factors of gonadotrophs, and multiplex immunohistochemistry confirmed colocalization of SF1 in the nucleus of keratin-positive FCs. In this series, FCs were exclusively found in gonadotroph PitNETs and occurred in 23% of those tumors. Co-expression of gonadotroph transcription factors in FCs supports the concept of cellular plasticity and transformation of neoplastic hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells to FCs. Further studies are required to determine if and why gonadotrophs alone undergo this transformation, the function of these cells and whether they have prognostic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luvy Delfin
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wiesnagrotzki N, Bernreuther C, Saeger W, Flitsch J, Glatzel M, Hagel C. Co-expression of intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein and cytokeratin in pituitary adenoma. Pituitary 2021; 24:62-67. [PMID: 33001343 PMCID: PMC7864846 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the co-expression of the intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin in 326 pituitary adenomas with regard to the distribution pattern, the subtype of the adenoma and clinical prognostic data. METHODS Tissue from 326 pituitary adenomas and 13 normal anterior pituitaries collected in the Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, between 2006 and 2009 was investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. RESULTS Co-expression of intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin was associated with hormone expression in 62/278 cases (22%), but only found in 2/48 (4%) of null cell adenomas (p < 0.01). Simultaneous co-expression of GFAP and cytokeratin in the same cells was demonstrated in 26 out of 326 pituitary adenomas and in all 13 pituitaries. In pituitary intermediate filaments were demonstrated in a larger area of the cytoplasm than in adenoma (p < 0.01), however, overlapping expression was seen in 2.6% of the total area in both, pituitary and adenoma. Congenially, cells with overlapping expression were found near vessels and in follicles. Furthermore, adenomas with cellular co-expression of GFAP and cytokeratin were associated with a lower recurrence rate (7.7%) compared to adenomas without co-expression of intermediate filaments (17.8%). CONCLUSIONS Cellular co-expression of the intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin in pituitary adenomas and the pituitary was demonstrated and shown to be associated with hormone expression and low recurrence rate. The results are discussed with regard to the biology of folliculostellate cells, neural transformation and tumor stem cells. This study may complement the understanding of pituitary adenoma biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wiesnagrotzki
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Saeger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Flitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Hagel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fujita Y, Bando H, Iguchi G, Iida K, Nishizawa H, Kanie K, Yoshida K, Matsumoto R, Suda K, Fukuoka H, Ogawa W, Takahashi Y. Clinical Heterogeneity of Acquired Idiopathic Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:578802. [PMID: 33679614 PMCID: PMC7933588 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.578802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Heterogeneous clinical characteristics are observed in acquired isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency (IAD); however, its classification remains to be established because of its largely unknown pathophysiology. In IAD, anti-pituitary antibodies have been detected in some patients, although their significance remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to classify patients with IAD and to clarify the significance of anti-pituitary antibodies. DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 46 consecutive patients with IAD. Serum anti-pituitary antibodies were analyzed via immunofluorescence staining using a mouse pituitary tissue. Principal component and cluster analyses were performed to classify IAD patients based on clinical characteristics and autoantibodies. RESULTS Immunofluorescence analysis using the sera revealed that 58% of patients showed anti-corticotroph antibodies and 6% of patients showed anti-follicular stellate cell (FSC) antibodies. Principal component analysis demonstrated that three parameters could explain 70% of the patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed three clusters: Groups A and B comprised patients who were positive for anti-corticotroph antibodies, and plasma ACTH levels were extremely low. Groups A and B comprised middle-aged or elderly men and middle-aged women, respectively. Group C comprised patients who were positive for the anti-FSC antibody and elderly men; plasma ACTH levels were relatively high. CONCLUSIONS Patients with IAD were classified into three groups based on clinical characteristics and autoantibodies. The presence of anti-corticotroph antibody suggested severe injury to corticotrophs. This new classification clearly demonstrated the heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of IAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Fujita
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hironori Bando
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Genzo Iguchi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Medical Center for Student Health, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Biosignal Pathophysiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keiji Iida
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hyogo Prefectural Kakogawa Medical Center, Kakogawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nishizawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keitaro Kanie
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshida
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryusaku Matsumoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suda
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yutaka Takahashi,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fontaine R, Royan MR, von Krogh K, Weltzien FA, Baker DM. Direct and Indirect Effects of Sex Steroids on Gonadotrope Cell Plasticity in the Teleost Fish Pituitary. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:605068. [PMID: 33365013 PMCID: PMC7750530 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.605068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland controls many important physiological processes in vertebrates, including growth, homeostasis, and reproduction. As in mammals, the teleost pituitary exhibits a high degree of plasticity. This plasticity permits changes in hormone production and secretion necessary to meet the fluctuating demands over the life of an animal. Pituitary plasticity is achieved at both cellular and population levels. At the cellular level, hormone synthesis and release can be regulated via changes in cell composition to modulate both sensitivity and response to different signals. At the cell population level, the number of cells producing a given hormone can change due to proliferation, differentiation of progenitor cells, or transdifferentiation of specific cell types. Gonadotropes, which play an important role in the control of reproduction, have been intensively investigated during the last decades and found to display plasticity. To ensure appropriate endocrine function, gonadotropes rely on external and internal signals integrated at the brain level or by the gonadotropes themselves. One important group of internal signals is the sex steroids, produced mainly by the gonadal steroidogenic cells. Sex steroids have been shown to exert complex effects on the teleost pituitary, with differential effects depending on the species investigated, physiological status or sex of the animal, and dose or method of administration. This review summarizes current knowledge of the effects of sex steroids (androgens and estrogens) on gonadotrope cell plasticity in teleost anterior pituitary, discriminating direct from indirect effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Fontaine
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Muhammad Rahmad Royan
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine von Krogh
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn-Arne Weltzien
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dianne M. Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tsukada T, Isowa Y, Kito K, Yoshida S, Toneri S, Horiguchi K, Fujiwara K, Yashiro T, Kato T, Kato Y. Identification of TGFβ-induced proteins in non-endocrine mouse pituitary cell line TtT/GF by SILAC-assisted quantitative mass spectrometry. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 376:281-293. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-02989-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
10
|
Tsukada T, Yoshida S, Kito K, Fujiwara K, Yako H, Horiguchi K, Isowa Y, Yashiro T, Kato T, Kato Y. TGFβ signaling reinforces pericyte properties of the non-endocrine mouse pituitary cell line TtT/GF. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:339-350. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
11
|
Hasiloglu Z, Ure E, Comunoglu N, Tanriover N, Oz B, Gazioglu N, Mihmanli I. New radiological clues in the diagnosis of spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:937.e5-937.e11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
12
|
Mu Q, Yu J, Qu L, Hu X, Gao H, Liu P, Zheng X, Sun Y, Huang H. Spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis: two case reports and a review of the literature. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:871-6. [PMID: 25777996 PMCID: PMC4438875 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spindle cell oncocytoma (SCO) of the adenohy-pophysis is a rare tumor in the sellar region. Due to its rarity, little information is available regarding SCO. It is often misdiagnosed as another type of sellar tumor. In the present study, two cases of SCO were reported. One patient was a 35-year-old female presenting with decreased visual acuity, amenorrhea and lactation. The other patient was a 62-year-old female with no clear symptoms or signs. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a suprasellar mass with marked homogeneous enhancement in the two cases. A craniotomy was performed to completely resect the tumors. The tumors were immunopositive for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), S-100 and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). The tumors were pathologically diagnosed as SCO. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period of 15–21 months. In the present study, the literature was reviewed and the clinical data, imaging features, intraoperative findings and recurrence of 24 cases were analyzed in the literature as well as the present two cases. The average age of the SCO patients was 58.5 years and no gender preference was observed for the disease. The tumor exhibited homogeneous enhancement on the MRI. The intraoperative assessment revealed that the tumor had a rich blood supply and the SCO tumors were immunopositive for vimentin, S-100, EMA and TTF-1. These findings provided valuable clinical data for the preoperative diagnosis and surgical removal of SCO tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingchun Mu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jinlu Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Limei Qu
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xitong Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Haijun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xu Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yuxue Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade (WHO grade I) sellar region glioma. Among sellar tumors, pituitary adenomas, mainly prolactinomas, may show amyloid deposits. Gelsolin is a ubiquitous calcium-dependent protein that regulates actin filament dynamics. Two known gene point mutations result in gelsolin amyloid deposition, a characteristic feature of a rare type of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), the Finnish-type FAP, or hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis (HGA). HGA is an autosomal-dominant systemic amyloidosis, characterized by slowly progressive neurological deterioration with corneal lattice dystrophy, cranial neuropathy, and cutis laxa. A unique case of pituicytoma with marked gelsolin amyloid deposition in a 67-year-old Chinese woman is described. MRI revealed a 2.6-cm well-circumscribed, uniformly contrast-enhancing solid sellar mass with suprasellar extension. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by solid sheets and fascicles of spindle cells with slightly fibrillary cytoplasm and oval nuclei with pinpoint nucleoli. Surrounding brain parenchyma showed marked reactive piloid gliosis. Remarkably, conspicuous amyloid deposits were identified as pink homogeneous spherules on light microscopy that showed apple-green birefringence on Congo red with polarization. Mass spectrometric-based proteomic analysis identified the amyloid as gelsolin type. Immunohistochemically, diffuse reactivity to S100 protein and TTF1, focal reactivity for GFAP, and no reactivity to EMA, synaptophysin, and chromogranin were observed. HGA-related mutations were not identified in the tumor. No recurrence was noted 14 months after surgery. To the knowledge of the authors, amyloid deposition in pituicytoma or tumor-associated gelsolin amyloidosis has not been previously described. This novel finding expands the spectrum of sellar tumors that may be associated with amyloid deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane M Ida
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mitsuishi H, Kato T, Chen M, Cai L, Yako H, Higuchi M, Yoshida S, Kanno N, Ueharu H, Kato Y. Characterization of a pituitary-tumor-derived cell line, TtT/GF, that expresses Hoechst efflux ABC transporter subfamily G2 and stem cell antigen 1. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:563-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
15
|
Sosa LDV, Gutiérrez S, Petiti JP, Vaca AM, De Paul AL, Torres AI. Cooperative effect of E₂ and FGF2 on lactotroph proliferation triggered by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E41-9. [PMID: 23651845 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00027.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol (E₂) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on the lactotroph cell-proliferative response and the related membrane-initiated signaling pathway. Anterior pituitary mixed-cell cultures of random, cycling 3-mo-old female rats were treated with 10 nM E₂, E₂ membrane-impermeable conjugated BSA (E₂-BSA), PPT (ERα agonist), and DPN (ERβ agonist) alone or combined with FGF2 (10 ng/ml) for 30 min or 4 h. Although our results showed that the uptake of BrdU into the nucleus of lactotrophs was not modified by E₂ or FGF2 alone, a significant increase in the lactotroph uptake of BrdU was observed after E₂/FGF2 coincubation, with this effect being mimicked by PPT/FGF2. These proliferative effects were blocked by ICI 182,780 or PD-98059. The involvement of membrane ER in the proliferative response of prolactin cells induced by the steroid and FGF2 coincubation was confirmed using E₂-BSA, and the association between ERα and FGF receptor was observed after E₂/FGF2 treatment by immunoprecipitation. A significant increase in the ERK1/2 expression was noted after E₂, E₂-BSA, PPT, and FGF2 alone, which was more noticeable after E₂-BSA/FGF2, E₂/FGF2, or PPT/FGF2 treatments. This study provides evidence that E₂ and FGF2 exert a cooperative effect on the lactotroph proliferation principally by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane triggering a genomic effect mediated by MEK/ERK1/2, a common signaling pathway, that finally regulates the lactotroph population, thus contributing to pituitary plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana del V Sosa
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells are a subpopulation of self-renewing cells that are more resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy than the other surrounding cancer cells. The cancer stem cell model predicts that only a subset of cancer cells possess the ability to self-renew and produce progenitor cells that can reconstitute and sustain tumor growth. Evidence supporting the existence of cancer stem-like cells in the thyroid, pituitary, and in other endocrine tissues is rapidly accumulating. These cells have been studied using specific biomarkers including: CD133, CD44, Nestin, Nanog, and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme. Putative cancer stem-like cells can be studied in vitro using serum-free media supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor grown in low attachment plates or in extracellular matrix leading to sphere formation in vitro. Cancer stem-like cells can also be separated by fluorescent cell sorting and used for in vitro or in vivo studies. Injection of enriched populations of cancer stem-like cells (also referred to as tumor initiating cells) into immunodeficient mice results in growth of xenografts which express cancer stem-like biomarkers. Human cancer stem-like cells have been identified in thyroid cancer cell lines, in primary thyroid cancers, in normal pituitary, and in pituitary tumors. Other recent studies suggest the existence of stem cells and cancer stem-like cells in endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lungs, adrenal, parathyroid, and skin. New discoveries in this field may lead to more effective therapies for highly aggressive and lethal endocrine cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, K4/436 CSC 8550, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Pituitary blastoma, a recently described tumor of the neonatal pituitary, exhibits differentiation to Rathke epithelium and adenohypophysial cells of folliculostellate and secretory type, a reflection of arrested pituitary development and unchecked proliferation (Scheithauer et al. in Acta Neuropathol 116(6):657-666, 2008). Herein, we report the pathologic features of three additional cases, all ACTH-producing. One involved a 9-month-old male presenting with progressive right ophthalmoplegia, MRI findings of a large suprasellar mass with cavernous sinus invasion, and elevated plasma ACTH levels. The second was nonfunctioning and occurred in a 13-month-old female with right third nerve palsy. The third had been previously published as a "pituitary adenoma" in a 2-year-old female (Min et al. in Pathol Int 57(9):600-605, 2007). The subtotally resected tumors were subject to histochemical, immunohistochemical and, in two cases, ultrastructural study. Histologically, the complex tumors consisted of glands of varying from rosettes to glandular structures resembling Rathke epithelium, small undifferentiated-appearing cells (blastema), and large secretory cells. Mucin-producing goblet cells were noted in case 3. Cell proliferation was high in two cases and low in case 3. Immunoreactivity of the secretory cells included synaptophysin, chromogranin, various keratins and, to a lesser extent, ACTH and beta endorphin. MGMT immunolabeling was 40-60%. Mitotic activity was moderate to high in cases 1 and 2 and was low in case 3. The same was true for MIB-1 labeling. Germ cell markers were lacking in all cases. One tumor ultrastructurally consisted of three cell populations including (a) small, polyhedral, primitive-appearing cells (blastema) with scant cytoplasm, abundant glycogen and few organelles, (b) folliculostellate cells and (c) large corticotroph cells containing rough endoplasmic reticulum, golgi membranes, spherical, 150-400 nm secretory granules and occasional perinuclear, intermediate filament bundles. A second example (case 3) lacked a blastema and glandular component. The clinical and morphologic features of our three cases were those of pituitary blastoma. The finding of cellular elements of adenohypophysial development is consistent with a diagnosis of pituitary blastoma and aligns it with blastomas of other organs. It also suggests an underlying specific genetic abnormality. Marked variations in cellular proliferative activity suggest blastomas occur in low- and higher-grade form. Variable MGMT reactivity suggests an incomplete response to temozolomide therapy. Literature regarding similar morphologically complex, infantile, Cushing disease-associated lesions is briefly reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd W Scheithauer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Romero-rojas AE, Melo-uribe MA, Barajas-solano PA, Chinchilla-olaya SI, Escobar LIR, Hernandez-walteros DM. Spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis. Brain Tumor Pathol 2011; 28:359-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s10014-011-0051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
19
|
Horvath E, Coire CI, Kovacs K, Smyth HS. Folliculo-stellate cells of the human pituitary as adult stem cells: examples of their neoplastic potential. Ultrastruct Pathol 2010; 34:133-9. [PMID: 20455662 DOI: 10.3109/01913121003662247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Two unique, formerly unrecorded sellar neoplasms were observed in two women of 60 and 63 years of age. One lesion consisted of small epithelial cells and the other was a large-cell oncocytic tumor, yet they had the same simple cytoplasmic organization with dominance of polyribosomes and a sprinkle of glycogen. Striking markers shared by the neoplasms: (1) network of typical pituitary follicles, and (2) unexpected similarity to fetal human pituitary tissue at different gestational ages of 6 and 10-12 weeks. The latter showed appreciable endocrine differentiation. The assumed parent cell is the folliculo-stellate cell as pluripotent adult stem cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Horvath
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Borges MT, Lillehei KO, Kleinschmidt-demasters BK. Spindle cell oncocytoma with late recurrence and unique neuroimaging characteristics due to recurrent subclinical intratumoral bleeding. J Neurooncol 2011; 101:145-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
21
|
Acosta M, Filippa V, Mohamed F. Folliculostellate cells in pituitary pars distalis of male viscacha: immunohistochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural study. Eur J Histochem 2010; 54:e1. [PMID: 20353904 PMCID: PMC3167288 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2010.e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Folliculostellate cells (FSC) have been reported in pituitary of several mammalian species. FSC morphology and secreted substances have been instrumental to the understanding of their function. The purpose of this work was to perform an immunohistochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural study of the pituitary pars distalis FSC in adult male viscacha and to analyze their relation with hormone secreting cells. Immunohistoche-mistry and image analysis were carried out in different sectors of the gland, from the middle (sector 1) to the glandular periphery (sector 5). Transmission electron microscopy with lanthanum as electrodense tracer was used. FSC formed follicles with PAS-positive colloid inside. They expressed S-100 protein mainly in both nucleus and cytoplasm. FSC were stellate-like in shape and exhibited short cytoplasmic processes that contacted with blood vessels and endocrine cells. In addition, some follicular colloids were immunostained with anti-S-100 protein. A few FSC were immunostained with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and anti-vimentin. The morphometric parameters analyzed (percentages of S-100-positive total, cellular and colloidal areas) increased from sector 1 to sector 3 and then decreased to sector 5. Hormone secreting cells, mainly lactotrophs, gonadotrophs and corticotrophs were associated with FSC and follicles. The ultrastructural study demonstrated that FSC developed junctional complexes and desmosomes between their lateral membranes. Lanthanum freely penetrated the spaces between granulated cells and FSC, but did not penetrate into the follicular lumen. IN CONCLUSION 1) the differential expression of S-100 protein, GFAP and vimentin may indicate different physiological stages of FSC; 2) the expression of these proteins suggests a neuroectodermic origin of these cells; 3) FSC spatial distribution, association with endocrine cells, and the generation of an intercellular communication network suggest that FSC are involved in the pituitary pars distalis paracrine regulation of the viscacha.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Acosta
- Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Luis, Argentina
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Calderoni AM, Biaggio V, Acosta M, Oliveros L, Mohamed F, Giménez MS. Cadmium exposure modifies lactotrophs activity associated to genomic and morphological changes in rat pituitary anterior lobe. Biometals 2010; 23:135-43. [PMID: 19894126 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-009-9274-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is widely used in industrial applications and is an important contaminant of agricultural products. As an endocrine disruptor, Cd modifies the hormone release of pituitary anterior lobe (PAL). This work was undertaken to evaluate a possible association between phospholipase D (PLD) and prolactin mRNA expressions and the activity of lactotrophs and folliculostellate cells (FSC) in PAL of Cd exposed adult male Wistar rats (Cd, 0.133 mM per liter for 2 months). The PALs were submitted to immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis to determine the percentage of lactotrophs (PRL-ir) and FSC (S-100-ir). Cultured PAL cells were stained with Hoechst 33258 to determine the presence of alterations in nuclear morphology consistent with apoptosis. The expressions of PLD and prolactin mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR. Cd treated rats showed a decrease of PLD mRNA levels that can be associated to both high number of apoptotic cells and increase of S-100 protein expression in FSC. Cd decreased prolactin mRNA expression, number of lactotrophs and percentage of PRL-ir suggesting a low availability of prolactin to be secreted from PAL. Cd modifies the lactotrophs activity of pituitary gland through biochemical, genomic and morphological changes and contributes directly or indirectly to the levels of serum prolactin.
Collapse
|
23
|
Moshkin O, Muller P, Scheithauer BW, Juco J, Horvath E, Patterson BJ, Kamel-Reid S, Kovacs K. Primary pituitary lymphoma: a histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study with literature review. Endocr Pathol 2009; 20:46-9. [PMID: 19229666 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-009-9062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 62-year-old man with headache and left sixth cranial nerve palsy. A computerized tomography scan revealed an osteolytic process involving the sella turcica and clivus. A partial tumor resection was achieved via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Morphologic investigation revealed a diffuse large B cell lymphoma involving pituitary parenchyma. No systemic disease was found upon staging. Primary pituitary lymphoma is extremely rare. An accurate histologic diagnosis is key to successful treatment and a favorable prognosis. The literature is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Moshkin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Moro JA, Carretero J, Alonso MI, Martín C, Gato A, Mano ADL. Prenatal expression of interleukin 1beta and interleukin 6 in the rat pituitary gland. Cytokine 2008; 44:315-22. [PMID: 19041259 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2008.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It is known that interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are expressed post-natally in normal and tumoral cells in the anterior pituitary, and that they play a role in both the liberation of different hormones and in the growth, proliferation and tumor formation of the pituitary gland. However, their expression and role during embryonic and fetal development remain unknown. We have performed an immunocytochemistry study of prenatal expression and distribution of IL-1beta and IL-6 in isolated embryonic rat Rathke's pouch prior to birth, more specifically between 13.5 and 19.5 days p.c. Western-blot analysis carried out on 19.5-day p.c. embryos showed positive immunolabelling for IL-1beta and IL-6. These interleukins were initially expressed simultaneously in the rostral and ventral portions of Rathke's pouch in 15.5-day p.c. embryos, and this expression progressed caudodorsally in later developmental stages, extending to most of the hypophysis before birth. The number of cells expressing these interleukins increased throughout this period: 48.22% of anterior pituitary cells expressed IL-6 in 19.5-day embryos, whilst IL-1beta was positive in 39.8% of the cells. Moreover, we have demonstrated that some adenohypophyseal cells co-express both interleukins. Such findings represent the first step towards an understanding of the physiological role of these interleukins in anterior pituitary development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Moro
- Departamento de Anatomía y Radiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, C/Ramón y Cajal 7-47005-Valladolid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Folliculo-stellate cells (FS-cells) are star-shaped and follicle-forming cells in the anterior pituitary gland that were first identified by electron microscopy as non-endocrine agranular cells. Light microscopy has revealed many of their cytophysiological features and the FS-cell is known to be positive for S-100 protein, a marker for FS-cells. So far, functions ascribed to FS-cells include the formation of an extensive and complex tridimentional network, scavenger activity by engulfing degenerated cells, paracrine regulation of endocrine cells by producing various growth factors and cytokines, such as interleukin-6, leukemia inhibitory factor, basic fibroblastic growth factor, vascular endothelial cell growth factor and follistatin, and large-scale inter-cellular communication by means of their long cytoplasmic processes and gap junctions. Moreover, their multi-potential characteristics and other cytological features support the possibility of them becoming organ-specific stem cells. This concept is yet to be resolved, however. In this review, we focus on these features of FS-cells along with some futuristic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Devnath
- Department of Regulation Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gleiberman AS, Michurina T, Encinas JM, Roig JL, Krasnov P, Balordi F, Fishell G, Rosenfeld MG, Enikolopov G. Genetic approaches identify adult pituitary stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:6332-7. [PMID: 18436641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0801644105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult tissues undergo continuous cell turnover in response to stress, damage, or physiological demand. New differentiated cells are generated from dedicated or facultative stem cells or from self-renewing differentiated cells. Here we describe a different stem cell strategy for tissue maintenance, distinct from that observed for dedicated or facultative stem cells. We report the presence of nestin-expressing adult stem cells in the perilumenal region of the mature anterior pituitary and, using genetic inducible fate mapping, demonstrate that they serve to generate subsets of all six terminally differentiated endocrine cell types of the pituitary gland. These stem cells, while not playing a significant role in organogenesis, undergo postnatal expansion and start producing differentiated progeny, which colonize the organ that initially entirely consisted of differentiated cells derived from embryonic precursors. This generates a mosaic organ with two phenotypically similar subsets of endocrine cells that have different origins and different life histories. These parallel but distinct lineages of differentiated cells in the gland may help the maturing organism adapt to changes in the metabolic regulatory landscape.
Collapse
|
27
|
Fauquier T, Rizzoti K, Dattani M, Lovell-Badge R, Robinson IC. SOX2-expressing progenitor cells generate all of the major cell types in the adult mouse pituitary gland. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:2907-12. [PMID: 18287078 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0707886105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland adapts the proportion of each of its endocrine cell types to meet differing hormonal demands throughout life. There is circumstantial evidence that multipotent adult progenitor cells contribute to this plasticity, but these cells have not been identified. Here, we describe a small (<0.05%) population of progenitor cells in the adult pituitary gland. We show that these cells express SOX2, a marker of several early embryonic progenitor and stem cell types, and form "pituispheres" in culture, which can grow, form secondary spheres, and differentiate to all of the pituitary endocrine cell types, as well as folliculostellate cells. Differentiation of cells in the pituispheres was associated with the expression of nestin, SOX9, and S100. Cells expressing SOX2 and E-cadherin are found throughout Rathke's pouch (RP) in embryos but persist in the adult gland, mostly in a narrow zone lining the pituitary cleft, but also are scattered throughout the pituitary. However, unlike in embryonic RP, most of these SOX2(+) cells in the adult gland also express SOX9 and S100. We suggest that this SOX2(+)/SOX9(+) population represents transit-amplifying cells, whereas the SOX2(+)/SOX9(-) cells we identify are multipotent progenitor/stem cells persisting in the adult pituitary.
Collapse
|
28
|
Vankelecom H. Non-hormonal cell types in the pituitary candidating for stem cell. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2007; 18:559-70. [PMID: 17509912 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2006] [Revised: 02/22/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hormone balances in the body are primarily governed by the hypothalamus-pituitary system. For its pivotal role, the pituitary gland relies on an assortment of different hormone-producing cell types, the proportions of which dynamically change in response to fluctuating endocrine demands. Mechanisms of pituitary cellular plasticity are at present far from understood, and may include proliferation and transdifferentiation of hormonal cells. Whether new cells also originate by recruitment from stem cells is unsettled, although this idea has frequently been proposed. Here, I will review these data by focusing on the non-hormonal cell types that have been advanced as candidates for the pituitary stem cell position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Cell Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N1, Herestraat 49, University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
To determine whether increased vasopressinergic activity during chronic stress or adrenalectomy mediates trophic changes in the corticotroph, we examined the effect of peripheral V1 receptor blockade in rats, using the antagonist, dGly[Phaa1,D-tyr(et), Lys, Arg]vasopressin (VP), on the number of pituitary cells taking up bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and cells containing immunoreactive ACTH (irACTH). Adrenalectomy significantly increased the number of BrdU- and ACTH-labeled cells at 3 and 6 d, and a much larger increase was observed at 28 d. Minipump infusion of V1 antagonist for 28 d, at doses blocking the increases in ACTH and corticosterone induced by exogenous VP, prevented the increases in BrdU incorporation, but not irACTH cells observed 28 d after adrenalectomy. Unexpectedly, colocalization of BrdU with ACTH-positive cells was minor (about three cells per pituitary section), and this was unaffected by adrenalectomy or V1 antagonist infusion. In contrast, adrenalectomy for 6 or 14 d failed to increase BrdU incorporation or irACTH cells in V1b receptor knockout mice while inducing the expected increase in wild-type mice. The data show that VP is required for pituitary mitogenesis after adrenalectomy but, at least in rats, not for increasing the number of corticotrophs. The lack of colocalization of ACTH in mitotic cells suggests that recruitment of corticotrophs during adrenalectomy occurs from undifferentiated cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Subburaju
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 10 Room 10N262, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Luziga C, Usui M, Yoichiro H, Kazwala R, Yamamoto Y, Mamba K. Gene expression and immunohistochemical localization of megalin in the anterior pituitary gland of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). J Mol Histol 2007; 38:65-77. [PMID: 17294243 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-007-9079-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Megalin/the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2 (LRP-2) is expressed in a variety of epithelia and mediates endocytosis of numerous substances. Megalin is also shown to bind clusterin with high affinity. In the pituitary gland, clusterin is localized in endocrine cells, folliculostellate (FS) cells and colloids. The present study examines the expression pattern of megalin within the gland and assesses its cellular localization to that of clusterin so as to deduce their functional implications in colloidal accumulation as relevant in vivo. Quantity of megalin mRNA expression in pituitary and other endocrine tissues was quantified by real-time PCR using SYBR-green I detective system. High levels were detected in kidneys and pituitary. In situ hybridization showed megalin mRNA in FS cells. Megalin protein detected by immunohistochemistry was also observed in FS cells. Immunoelectron microscopy clearly showed the localization of megalin in peripheral region of colloid-containing follicles and on vesicular structures in FS cells. Immunolabeling was also found to be associated with membranes of vacuoles in apoptotic endocrine cells and cell remnants engulfed by FS cells. Double immunofluorescence labeling was performed to determine whether megalin and clusterin in the anterior pituitary were present within the same cell. Simultaneous localization was detected in almost all FS cells surrounding colloids and in several foci of FS cells surrounding endocrine cells. These findings suggest that megalin may drive ingestion of clusterin complexes with products of digested apoptotic endocrine cells in FS cells, and thereby providing a potential mechanism for a receptor mediated uptake of degenerating endocrine cells and secretion of colloid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Luziga
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology and Molecular Biological Studies, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Tissue-specific stem cells are uncovered in a growing number of organs by their molecular expression profile and their potential for self-renewal, multipotent differentiation and tissue regeneration. Whether the pituitary gland also contains a pool of versatile 'master' cells that drive homeostatic, plastic and regenerative cell ontogenesis is at present unknown. Here, I will give an overview of data that may lend support to the existence of stem cells in the postnatal pituitary. During the many decades of pituitary research, various approaches have been used to hunt for the pituitary stem cells. Transplantation and regeneration studies advanced chromophobes as possible source of new hormonal cells. Clonogenicity approaches identified pituitary cells that clonally expand to floating spheres, or to colonies in adherent cell cultures. Behavioural characteristics and changes of marginal, follicular and folliculostellate cells during defined developmental and (patho-)physiological conditions have been interpreted as indicative of a stem cell role. Expression of potential stem cell markers like nestin, as well as topographical localization in the marginal zone around the cleft has also been considered to designate pituitary stem cells. Finally, a 'side population' was recently identified in the postnatal pituitary which in many other tissues represents a stem cell-enriched fraction. Taken together, in the course of the long-standing study of the pituitary, several arguments have been presented to support the existence of stem cells, and multiple cell types have been placed in the spotlight as possible candidates. However, none of these cells has until now unequivocally been shown to meet all quintessential characteristics of stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Cell Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mohanty B. Extracellular accumulations in the avian pituitary gland: histochemical analysis in two species of Indian wild birds. Cells Tissues Organs 2006; 183:99-106. [PMID: 17053326 DOI: 10.1159/000095514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular accumulations of two distinct types, colloid-filled follicles and fibrous-material-containing cysts, were observed in the pituitary gland of two species of Indian wild birds, Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra and Lonchura striata striata. Colloid follicles were regular structures and distributed throughout the pars distalis (PD). The fibrous cysts were irregular structures, bigger than the colloid follicles and mostly observed towards the ventral margin of the PD. Sometimes disruption of the outer margin with depletion of fibrous material from the cavity was observed. Hormone-secreting cells of various types, anti-adrenocorticotropic-hormone-, anti-prolactin-, anti-growth-hormone- and anti-luteinizing-hormone-immunoreactive cells were encountered bordering both the colloid follicles and fibrous cysts. Neither the colloid nor the fibrous material showed any immunoreaction to any of the pituitary hormone antisera. On histochemical staining colloid was positive to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and fibrous materials stained with Alcian blue-PAS-orange G staining. Colloid depositions in the pituitary gland of these two wild birds were correlated to age, more in numbers in the adult birds than in the young ones. Fibrous-material-containing cysts were elucidated in the pituitary gland of adult birds only. These were more prevalent in the pituitary of reproductively active birds. Regular morphology of the colloid follicles, overall distribution in the adenohypophysis and dense nature of deposition of the colloid suggest the accumulation of this type may be the secretory products of both granulated and agranulated pituitary cell types. Absence of immunoreactivity of the colloid against pituitary hormone antisera points out that the storage form may differ chemically from the bioactive hormones. The spatial distribution of fibrous-material-containing cysts mostly towards the ventral PD, observations of immunoreactive cell fragmentations inside the cysts, and their disrupted margins suggest these structures may have some role in discharging the intraglandular degradation products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banalata Mohanty
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen J, Crabbe A, Van Duppen V, Vankelecom H. The Notch Signaling System Is Present in the Postnatal Pituitary: Marked Expression and Regulatory Activity in the Newly Discovered Side Population. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:3293-307. [PMID: 16959876 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we discovered in the adult anterior pituitary a subset of cells with side population (SP) phenotype, enriched for expression of stem/progenitor cell-associated factors like Sca1, and of Notch1 and Hes (hairy and enhancer of split) 1, components of the classically developmental Notch pathway. In the present study, we elaborated the expression of the Notch signaling system in the postnatal pituitary, and examined its functional significance within the SP compartment. Using RT-PCR, we detected in the anterior pituitary of adult mouse the expression of all four vertebrate Notch receptors, as well as of Hes1, 5, and 6, key downstream targets and effectors of Notch. All Notch receptors, Hes1 and Hes5 were measured at higher mRNA levels in the Sca1(high) SP than in the main population (MP) of differentiated hormonal cells. In contrast, Hes6, known as an inhibitor of Hes1, was more abundant in the MP. Cells with SP phenotype, enriched for Sca1(high) expression, were detected throughout postnatal life. Their proportion was higher in immature mice, but did not change from adult (8 wk old) to much older age (1 yr old). Notch pathway expression was higher in the Sca1(high) SP than in the MP at all postnatal ages analyzed. Functional implication of Notch signaling in the SP was investigated in reaggregate cultures of adult mouse anterior pituitary cells. Treatment with the gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT down-regulated Notch activity and reduced the proportion of SP cells. Activation of Notch signaling with the conserved DSL motif of Notch ligands, or with a soluble ligand, caused a rise in SP cell number, at least in part due to a proliferative effect. The SP also expanded in proportion when aggregates were treated with leukemia-inhibitory factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor, again at least partly accounted for by a mitogenic action. These intrapituitary growth factors all activated Notch signaling, and DAPT abrogated the expansion of the SP by basic fibroblast growth factor and leukemia-inhibitory factor, thus exposing a possible cross talk. In conclusion, we show that the Notch pathway, typically situated in embryogenesis, is also present and active in the postnatal pituitary, that it is particularly expressed within the SP independent of age, and that it plays a role in the regulation of SP abundance. Whether our data indicate that Notch regulates renewal and fate decisions of putative stem/progenitor cells within the pituitary SP as found in other tissues, remains open for further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghai Chen
- Laboratory of Cell Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N1, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Activins, as members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, control and orchestrate many physiological processes and are vital for the development, growth and functional integrity of most tissues, including the pituitary. Activins produced by pituitary cells work in conjunction with central, peripheral, and other local factors to influence the function of gonadotropes and maintain a normal reproductive axis. Follistatin, also produced by the pituitary, acts as a local buffer to bind activin and modulate its bioactivity. On the other hand, inhibins of gonadal origin provide an endocrine feedback signal to antagonize activin signaling in cells that express the inhibin co-receptor, betaglycan, such as gonadotropes. This review highlights the pituitary roles of activin and the mechanisms through which these actions are modulated by inhibin and follistatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Bilezikjian
- The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gajkowska B, Wojewódzka U, Gajewska A, Styrna J, Jurkiewicz J, Kochman K. Growth hormone cell phagocytosis in adenohypophysis of mosaic mice: Morphological and immunocytochemical electron microscopy study. Brain Res Bull 2006; 70:94-8. [PMID: 16750487 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2006.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2006] [Revised: 04/09/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An electron microscopy immunocytochemical study was performed to determine the expression pattern of growth hormone (GH) in mosaic mutant mice adenohypophysis. In normal condition GH was restricted to the secretory granules of all growth hormone cells. Mosaic mice adenohypophysis contained growth hormone cells which have distinctive GH labeled secretory granules at the level seen in control animals. Ultrastructurally, some GH cells of mosaic mice presented abnormalities, but labeling intensity of secretory granules in these cells was always comparable to the basal condition. The striking findings presence of two forms (simple and activated) of folliculo-stellate cells (FS) in close association trough gap or tight junction with GH cells localized especially near the perivascular space. Frequently, in cytoplasm of FS cells, large clusters containing fragments of GH labeled cell were present. Additionally, the existence of large intracellular, electron-lucent spaces, with remnant cellular material in parenchyma of mosaic mutant mice adenohypophysis could suggest intensive process of GH-cell destruction. Our electron microscopy immunocytochemical results provide evidence for loss of GH cells in mosaic mice by phagocytosis. We suppose that impaired body growth observed in mosaic mutant male rats may be, at least partially, a consequence of an alteration in somatotropic axis activity. Loss of GH cells in mosaic mice by phagocytosis supported by FS cells may contribute to this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gajkowska
- Department of Cell Ultrastructure, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Claudius L, Yoshimi Y, Yoichiro H, Gabriel M, Koichi M. Phagocytotic removal of apoptotic endocrine cells by folliculostellate cells and its functional implications in clusterin accumulation in pituitary colloids in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Acta Histochem 2006; 108:69-80. [PMID: 16569423 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2006.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 01/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The different cell types in the anterior pituitary behave as dynamic populations. The gland maintains a continuous renewal of cells to ensure a dynamic balance between cell division, differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis. Apoptosis is a frequent event in the anterior pituitary in which unwanted cells are eliminated without affecting neighboring cells. We examined the link between apoptosis and the occurrence of colloids in the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) pituitary gland and the relationship of clusterin accumulation in the colloids. S-100 positive folliculostellate (FS) cells were found surrounding colloids. Apoptotic cells detected by single stranded DNA (ssDNA) immunohistochemistry were observed in the whole anterior pituitary and preferentially near colloid masses. Clusterin protein was detected in endocrine cells, FS cells and in the colloids. In situ hybridization showed clusterin mRNA in endocrine cells and FS cells. Simultaneous localization was performed to determine whether clusterin mRNA and ssDNA within anterior pituitary was present within the same cell. Clusterin mRNA was not detected in apoptotic cells but was present in neighboring surviving cells. At the ultrastructural level, numerous endocrine cells at different stages of apoptosis were found phagocytosed by FS cells. Our results suggest that clusterin is produced by endocrine cells for cytoprotection before death. Apoptotic endocrine cells are phagocytosed by FS cells and digested by their lysosomal enzymes. In FS cells, clusterin interacts and aggregates with by-products of digestion that subsequently become stored in colloid as a residual body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luziga Claudius
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi City 753-8515, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
A case of a morphologically distinctive tumor of the adrenal medulla occurring in a 54-year-old woman is described. On microscopic examination, the tumor was well circumscribed and characterized by the presence of ill-defined, irregular nests of spindle cells with oval to elongated nuclei, tiny nucleoli, and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The tumor was associated with a moderate infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells with occasional lymphoid follicles. Necrosis, marked cellular atypia, and mitoses were absent. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the tumor cells to be strongly reactive for vimentin, S-100 protein, and CD56, and nonreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, chromogranin, synaptophysin, melanoma-associated antigens, and dendritic cell markers. Ultrastructural examination showed elongated cells with interdigitating cytoplasmic processes devoid of a basal lamina. No secretory granules were noted. The morphology, immunophenotype, and ultrastructure of this unique neoplasm suggest derivation from sustentacular cells of the adrenal medulla. We propose the designation "sustentaculoma" for this hitherto undescribed neoplasm of the adrenal gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean K Lau
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Altenberger T, Bilban M, Auer M, Knosp E, Wolfsberger S, Gartner W, Mineva I, Zielinski C, Wagner L, Luger A. Identification of DLK1 variants in pituitary- and neuroendocrine tumors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 340:995-1005. [PMID: 16403460 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.12.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 12/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In a gene chip analysis of common pituitary tumor types, one of the genes with the most impressive tissue-specific expression regulation was delta-like 1 (DLK1), which was strongly expressed in GH-secreting (GH-S) pituitary tumors. In addition to pituitary adenomas, various endocrine tumors were subjected to real-time-quantitative PCR revealing high expression of DLK1 in normal pituitary tissue, in GH-S-, in one prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma and in pheochromocytomas. Additionally, three DLK1 gene-derived subvariants were identified. The first, lacking 204 bp--coding for epidermal growth factor-like domain 6 and parts of the juxtamembrane region--was named Secredeltin. In the other two splice variants (named Brevideltin and Brevideltinin), a stop codon is introduced due to a frame-shift, leading to truncated proteins of 204 and 213 aas, respectively.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Northern
- Calcium-Binding Proteins
- Cloning, Molecular
- Codon, Terminator
- DNA/chemistry
- DNA/metabolism
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Variation
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/biosynthesis
- Membrane Proteins/chemistry
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Models, Genetic
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neuroendocrine Tumors/metabolism
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pituitary Neoplasms/metabolism
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Repressor Proteins/biosynthesis
- Repressor Proteins/chemistry
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Time Factors
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Altenberger
- Vienna Medical University, Department of Internal Medicine III, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Li DR, Zhao D, Michiue T, Maeda H. Age-dependent increase of clusterin in the human pituitary gland. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2006; 8:28-33. [PMID: 16221554 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2005.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Revised: 08/09/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Clusterin is a glycoprotein known to play various physiological roles including complement activity, amyloid binding activity in Alzheimer disease, as well as binding with heat shock proteins and abnormal prions. The present study immunohistochemically investigated the expression of clusterin in the human pituitary gland in subjects of 10-88 years of age (n=173). Causes of death were blunt injury (n=35), sharp injury (n=15), poisoning (n=11), drowning (n=14), fire fatalities (n=28), asphyxiation (n=15), hypothermia (n=7), hyperthermia (n=3), and natural diseases (n=45). Clusterin was detected in mixed cell follicles and the anterior lobar parenchymal cells. The area occupied by cells positive for clusterin were measured, and the ratio to the whole area of the anterior lobe (% clusterin-positive cell area) was estimated. There was a good correlation between the age of the subjects in years and the % clusterin-positive cell area in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (r=0.736, P<0.01). Relationships between % clusterin-positive cell and gender, cause of death, and survival time were insignificant. These findings indicate an age-dependent accumulation of clusterin in the pituitary gland, which may be related to the aging of endocrine systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Rizzoti
- Division of Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Historically, the study of folliculo-stellate (FS) cells of the anterior pituitary dates back to the onset of electron microscopical observation of the pituitary gland. The morphological and electrophysiological characteristics, topographical distribution and contribution to intercellular junctions of these FS cells have been instrumental to the understanding of their putative function. Moreover, many studies have documented the role of FS cells as a source of newly discovered peptides, growth factors and cytokines. Quantitative immunohistochemical observation of FS cells in situ and functional in vitro studies, using either cultured FS cells or cells from an immortalized FS cell line, forwarded the notion of immunophenotypical and functional heterogeneity of the FS cell group. Double immunolabeling with a classical FS cell marker (S-100 protein) and with major histocompatibility complex class II markers characteristic for dendritic cells (DC) have shown a considerable overlap of FS cells with DC. The latter cells are immunocompetent cells belonging to the mononuclear phagocyte system. In this review, the FS cell heterogeneity is discussed with respect to the question of their embryological origin and developmental fate and with respect to the physiological relevance of functionally heterogeneous subpopulations. Recent findings of a myeloid origin of part of the interstitial cells of the anterior pituitary are confronted by other developmental paradigms of pituitary cell differentiation. The possibility that FS cells represent an adult stem cell population of the pituitary is critically examined. Also the physiological role of FS cells in the interferon-gamma- and nitric oxide-mediated effects on pituitary hormone secretion is discussed. New approaches for the study of this enigmatic cell group using immortalized cell lines and new markers for an hitherto unrecognized pituitary cell population, the so-called 'side population', are evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Allaerts
- Biological Publishing, PO Box 104, NL-7440 AC Nijverdal, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
The recently described "spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis" is a very rare and often misdiagnosed entity. A benign biologic behavior has been suggested based on the absence of recurrences with a median follow-up of 3 years. Herein, we present 2 cases of recurrent spindle cell oncocytomas. One patient is a 71-year-old woman (case no. 1) and the other a 76-year-old man (case no. 2). Recently, both underwent transsphenoidal reexploration for recurrent "pituitary adenoma." Patient no. 1 had initial surgery 11 years ago with a recurrence after 3 years that was initially stable. Ultimately, a partial resection was performed after compression of optic pathways by the tumor, and approximately 1 year later, re-resection was carried out. Patient no. 2 had initial surgery 10 years ago with recurrence and resection after 3 years. He recently presented with a large mass that involved the pituitary fossa and base of the skull, with extension into the nasopharynx and nasal cavity. The primary and recurrent lesions of both cases showed similar architecture with interlacing fascicles of spindle cells that alternated with areas of epithelioid-like cells that exhibited eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, S-100 protein, and epithelial membrane antigen, and negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, chromogranin, and pituitary hormones. Increased mitotic activity was noted in 1 lesion (case no. 2), although both cases had high Ki-67 indices (18% and 20%, respectively). The ultrastructural features of both cases were characteristic with intracytoplasmic accumulations of large mitochondria. The histopathologic features of these lesions are consistent with spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis. In summary, we are reporting 2 cases of recurrent spindle cell oncocytoma of adenohypophysis with longer follow-up than previously published cases, suggesting the possibility of a more aggressive behavior than has been initially considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Kloub
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0214, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
The precise regulation of the anterior pituitary is achieved by the cell-specific and combined actions of central, peripheral and local factors. Activins, inhibins, and follistatins were first discovered as gonadal factors with actions on FSH production from pituitary gonadotropes. With the realization that these factors are expressed in a wide array of tissues, including the pituitary, it became apparent that the functional importance of activins, inhibins, and follistatins extends beyond the reproductive axis and that they often exert their effects by autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. As members of the TGF-beta superfamily, activins and inhibins control and orchestrate many physiological processes and are vital for the development, the growth, and the functional integrity of most tissues, including the pituitary. Activins exert effects on multiple pituitary cell types but the best-characterized pituitary targets of the autocrine/paracrine function of activins are the gonadotropes. The autocrine/paracrine function of the activin-binding proteins, follistatins, constitutes an important local mechanism to modulate activin bioactivity while the restricted actions of gonadal inhibins to betaglycan-expressing gonadotropes provides a secondary mode of regulation of cell-specific actions of activins. The aim of this review is to highlight and evaluate experimental evidence that supports the roles of activins, inhibins, and follistatins as autocrine, paracrine, and/or endocrine modulators of the pituitary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Bilezikjian
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that pituitary hormone secretion is not only regulated by feedback from hormones produced in the target organs (long feedback) on the pituitary and the hypothalamus (feedforward), but also by a feedback of the hypophyseal hormones at the hypothalamic (short feedback) and the pituitary (ultra-short feedback) level. Inhibition of thyrotropin (TSH) and MSH secretion by pituitary preparations by adding exogenous TSH or MSH to the medium was already observed in the 1960s, as was the phenomenon that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) injected in the hypothalamus lowered plasma corticosterone levels. These early observations have now been corroborated by the demonstration of the receptors for various pituitary hormones in the hypothalamus and the adenohypophysis. The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) is found on folliculo-stellate cells in the pituitary, which are known to influence the neighboring endocrine cells. This pituitary TSR-receptor is also recognized by TSHR receptor autoantibodies, which can downregulate TSH secretion independently from thyroid hormone levels, and are therefore thought to be responsible for the frequently observed suppressed TSH levels in patients with Graves' disease who are otherwise euthyroid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark F Prummel
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ulm AJ, Yachnis AT, Brat DJ, Rhoton AL. Pituicytoma: Report of Two Cases and Clues Regarding Histogenesis. Neurosurgery 2004; 54:753-7; discussion 757-8. [PMID: 15028154 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000108983.50966.b7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2003] [Accepted: 11/06/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractOBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCEThe pituicytoma is a rare primary tumor of the neurohypophysis. Although histologically benign, the location and vascular nature of these tumors can make surgical resection difficult. We present a report of two patients with pituicytomas and review the literature regarding treatment and prognosis for this unusual lesion. Possible histogenetic relationships of this tumor with other pituitary neoplasms are presented.CLINICAL PRESENTATIONPatient 1 was a 45-year-old man who presented with a 5-year history of decreased libido. He was found to have a 2-cm suprasellar mass on a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Patient 2 was a 48-year-old man who presented with multiple endocrine complaints. He was found to have an intrasellar mass on magnetic resonance imaging.INTERVENTIONPatient 1 underwent a right frontal craniotomy, with a subtotal resection of the suprasellar mass through the lamina terminalis. The residual tumor was treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. The intrasellar mass in Patient 2 was resected via a transsphenoidal approach. On surveillance magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor was found to have recurred and expanded into the suprasellar space. The patient underwent a right frontal craniotomy for decompression and a subtotal resection of the tumor. The patient experienced a second recurrence 7 years after the initial procedure and was subsequently treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.CONCLUSIONPituicytomas are a distinct form of pituitary gland neoplasia that may recur if subtotally resected. These neurohypophysial tumors may contain a small subpopulation of previously unrecognized bcl-2-immunoreactive cells, whose role in the histogenesis of pituicytoma deserves further study.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenoma/diagnosis
- Adenoma/pathology
- Adenoma/radiotherapy
- Adenoma/surgery
- Adult
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/analysis
- Glioma/diagnosis
- Glioma/pathology
- Glioma/radiotherapy
- Glioma/surgery
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/radiotherapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/pathology
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/surgery
- Pituitary Gland, Posterior/pathology
- Pituitary Gland, Posterior/surgery
- Pituitary Irradiation
- Pituitary Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Pituitary Neoplasms/pathology
- Pituitary Neoplasms/radiotherapy
- Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/analysis
- Radiosurgery
- Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
- Reoperation
- Stem Cells/pathology
- Vimentin/analysis
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Ulm
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bilezikjian LM, Leal AMO, Blount AL, Corrigan AZ, Turnbull AV, Vale WW. Rat anterior pituitary folliculostellate cells are targets of interleukin-1beta and a major source of intrapituitary follistatin. Endocrinology 2003; 144:732-40. [PMID: 12538636 DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-220703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Folliculostellate cells of the anterior pituitary are postulated to be an important source of factors, such as follistatin, that regulate pituitary function by intercellular communication. To gain further insight into the function of this cell type, folliculostellate cells were enriched from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells, and an immortalized cell line designated FS/D1h was established and characterized. These FS/D1h cells express S100 immunoreactivity and produce IL-6 but not pituitary hormones such as GH, ACTH, FSH, and LH. Importantly, FS/D1h cells express large amounts of follistatin mRNA and secrete the protein, as quantified indirectly by the amount of [(125)I]activin A immunoprecipitated with a follistatin antiserum. The FS/D1h cells also express alpha, betaA, and betaB inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs, but whether they produce the corresponding activins and inhibins has not been determined. The response of FS/D1h cells to agents thought to modulate folliculostellate cell function was evaluated. IL-1beta (0.005-5 nM) stimulated the secretion of follistatin and increased mRNA expression. In parallel, IL-6 secretion was stimulated. Dexamethasone, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide(1-27), and lipopolysaccharide but not testosterone, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, or forskolin also increased follistatin secretion. Surprisingly, activin had no effect on follistatin mRNA levels, despite the fact that FS/D1h cells express ActRII, ActRIIB, and ALK-4 (ActRIB). Activin, on the other hand, induced Smad7 mRNA accumulation and exerted an antiproliferative effect on FS/D1h cells. Altogether, these observations support the possibility that follistatin originating from folliculostellate cells participates in mediating the effects of IL-1beta, glucocorticoids, and other agents on the response of pituitary cells to activins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Bilezikjian
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|