Null cell adenoma of the pituitary with features of plurihormonality and plurimorphous differentiation.

Kontogeorgos, G; Horvath, E; Kovacs, K; Killinger, D W; Smyth, H S · Arch Pathol Lab Med · 1991

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The case of a 35-year-old man with pituitary macroadenoma who was complaining of reduced sexual activity is presented. Histologic examination showed a chromophobic adenoma corresponding mainly to a null cell adenoma at the ultrastructural level. Focal plurihormonality and plurimorphous differentiation of adenoma cells were demonstrated by immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic studies. It is suggested that adenomatous null cells represent pluripotent progenitor cells capable of transforming to different hormone-producing cell types. The factors accounting for differentiating to various cell populations have yet to be elucidated.

Medical subject headings