The pituitary in Turner syndrome
B W Scheithauer1, K Kovacs, E Horvath
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. scheithauer.bernd@mayo.edu
Endocrine Pathology
|November 22, 2005
Summary
This study investigated pituitary cells in Turner syndrome, finding silent corticotroph microadenomas instead of expected gonadotroph changes. The cause of this association between Turner syndrome and these rare adenomas remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, is characterized by gonadal dysgenesis.
- Limited research exists on pituitary gland alterations in Turner syndrome.
Observation:
- A histochemical and immunohistochemical study examined four cases of Turner syndrome.
- Presence of "gonadal failure cells" was noted, but without gonadotroph hyperplasia or adenomas.
Findings:
- Three cases unexpectedly revealed silent corticotroph microadenomas.
- The etiology of these microadenomas in the context of Turner syndrome is currently unexplained.
Implications:
- The study raises questions about a potential causal or incidental link between Turner syndrome and silent corticotroph adenomas.
- Possible mechanisms include gonadotroph transdifferentiation, corticotroph response to hormonal imbalances, or genetic predisposition.
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