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Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
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Diagnosis and classification of autoimmune hypophysitis
Alberto Falorni1, Viviana Minarelli1, Elena Bartoloni2
1Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Italy.
Autoimmunity Reviews
|January 18, 2014
Summary
Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) involves pituitary gland inflammation, potentially leading to dysfunction or recovery. Autoantibodies (APA) are detected, but their low accuracy limits clinical use for diagnosing AH.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) is an immune-mediated inflammation of the pituitary gland.
- Initial pituitary enlargement can resolve or progress to gland atrophy and dysfunction.
- Circulating autoantibodies (APA) are markers of the autoimmune process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of autoimmune hypophysitis.
- To discuss diagnostic markers and clinical considerations for AH.
- To highlight the importance of considering AH in differential diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autoimmune hypophysitis.
- Analysis of autoantibodies (APA) and their target autoantigens.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges and clinical implications.
Main Results:
- Autoimmune hypophysitis presents with pituitary inflammation, enlargement, and potential dysfunction.
- APA targets include alpha-enolase, gamma-enolase, pituitary gland specific factors (PGSF) 1 and 2, and TPIT.
- APA exhibit low diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for AH.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune hypophysitis requires consideration in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary aggressive surgical interventions.
- Endocrine dysfunction and compressive effects in AH may be transient, emphasizing accurate diagnosis.
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