Differentiation and regulation of the corticotropic pituitary cell

A number of primary diseases of the pituitary with adrenocorticotropin dysregulation have been recognized. A few genetic defects have been identified as causes of secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. Much less is known about the ontogeny of corticotrophic tumours leading to a hypercorticolaemic state. To improve the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, a better understanding of the mechanisms of corticotrophic pituitary cell differentiation and regulation is of clear interest. Studies using molecular tools have enhanced our knowledge over recent years, and a few reports of considerable relevance are summarized in this review.