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Published on: March 23, 2011
Pituitary physiological and ultrastructural changes during aging
A C Nessi1, G De Hoz, C Tanoira
1Universidad CAECE, Avda de Mayo 1400, 1085, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Endocrine
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Aging reduces pituitary hormone production due to intrinsic pituitary gland changes, not just external factors. Aged mice show decreased growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) cell function and increased cell death.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Aging is associated with decreased pituitary hormone production.
- The exact cause, whether external (e.g., dopaminergic failure) or internal (pituitary gland dysfunction), is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying reduced pituitary hormone production in aged animals.
- To determine if pituitary gland aging contributes to decreased growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release.
Main Methods:
- CFW mice of varying ages (2, 6, 12, 18 months) were treated with L-Dopa.
- Pituitary glands were examined using electron microscopy.
- Digital image analysis quantified secretory granules and organelle kinetics.
Main Results:
- Aged GH and TSH cells showed reduced responsiveness to L-Dopa stimulation compared to young cells.
- The proportion of fully functional GH and TSH cells decreased significantly with age (98% in young vs. 65.7% in aged).
- Aged cells exhibited progressive degenerative changes, including apoptosis, indicating intrinsic pituitary pathology.
Conclusions:
- Reduced pituitary hormone production in aging is not solely due to extrapituitary factors.
- Intrinsic changes within the pituitary gland itself, including cellular degeneration and apoptosis, significantly contribute to age-related hormone decline.
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