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Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice
Published on: December 17, 2010
Lymphocytic hypophysitis in a dog with diabetes insipidus
B P Meij1, G Voorhout, R J Gerritsen
1Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 110, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands. b.p.meij@uu.nl
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|July 14, 2012
Summary
A German longhaired pointer diagnosed with diabetes insipidus had lymphocytic hypophysitis, an inflammatory pituitary condition. This canine case closely mimics human lymphocytic hypophysitis, offering comparative insights.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Diabetes insipidus in dogs presents with polyuria and polydipsia.
- Hormonal imbalances, including decreased growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), were noted.
- A pituitary mass compressing the hypothalamus was identified via computed tomography.
Observation:
- A German longhaired pointer exhibited symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
- Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy revealed hypophysitis, not a pituitary adenoma.
- Microscopic examination showed lymphocytic infiltration of the adenohypophysis.
Findings:
- The hypophysitis was characterized by T-cell infiltration.
- Neuroendocrine cells expressing GH, ACTH, and α-MSH were present within the inflamed pituitary.
- The condition was diagnosed as lymphocytic hypophysitis, similar to human cases.
Implications:
- This case provides a veterinary model for studying human lymphocytic hypophysitis.
- Understanding canine pituitary inflammation can advance comparative endocrinology.
- Further research into T-cell mediated pituitary disease is warranted.
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