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Prolactin-secreting adenomas. A light and electron microscopical study
Archives of Pathology
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Microscopical analysis of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas reveals distinct ultrastructural features. These tumors, often mistaken for chromophobe adenomas, show active secretion under electron microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are a common type of pituitary tumor.
- Distinguishing these adenomas from other types, such as chromophobe adenomas, can be challenging using light microscopy alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare the microscopical and ultrastructural findings of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas.
- To identify key ultrastructural features that differentiate prolactinomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 25 prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas surgically removed via transsphenoidal surgery.
- Light microscopy and electron microscopy were employed to examine tumor cell morphology.
- Comparison with prolactin cells from lactation, pituitary autografts, and in vitro stimulation.
Main Results:
- Light microscopy revealed features that could be confused with chromophobe adenomas.
- Eight cases showed a small number of cells with erythrosinophilic granules characteristic of prolactin cells.
- Electron microscopy demonstrated scarce secretory granules with frequent exocytosis, prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, and large Golgi areas.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas exhibit specific ultrastructural characteristics.
- The tumor cells demonstrate active secretion, comparable to normal prolactin cells under various physiological conditions.
- Electron microscopy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and understanding the secretory activity of these adenomas.