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Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
08:31

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

Morphogenesis and significance of fibrous bodies in human pituitary adenomas

E Horvath, K Kovacs

    Virchows Archiv. B, Cell Pathology
    |March 2, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers identified unique fibrous bodies in human pituitary adenomas. These structures, composed of type II microfilaments, are valuable diagnostic markers for pituitary tumors.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Cell Biology
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • Human pituitary adenomas are common tumors.
    • Understanding their cellular composition is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the ultrastructure of fibrous bodies found in human pituitary adenomas.
    • To determine the cellular origin and composition of these structures.
    • To assess their diagnostic value in pituitary adenoma classification.

    Main Methods:

    • Light and electron microscopy were used to examine 142 surgically removed pituitary adenomas.
    • Immunoperoxidase staining was employed to identify specific cellular markers.
    • Morphological analysis focused on fibrous bodies, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum.

    Main Results:

    • Fibrous bodies, composed of type II microfilaments (average width 115Å), were identified in 28 out of 142 tumors.
    • These spherical structures (up to 4-5 µm) were found exclusively in sparsely granulated growth hormone cells and acidophil stem cells.
    • Fibrous bodies did not contain growth hormone and were associated with Golgi membranes and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

    Conclusions:

    • Fibrous bodies are distinct ultrastructural components of specific pituitary adenoma subtypes.
    • Smooth membranes may be involved in the synthesis of the fibrillar substance.
    • Fibrous bodies serve as reliable morphologic markers for the differential diagnosis of pituitary adenomas.

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