Null cell adenoma of the pituitary with features of plurihormonality and plurimorphous differentiation

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1991 Jan;115(1):61-4.

Abstract

The case of a 35-year-old man with pituitary macroadenoma who was complaining of reduced sexual activity is presented. Histologic examination showed a chromophobic adenoma corresponding mainly to a null cell adenoma at the ultrastructural level. Focal plurihormonality and plurimorphous differentiation of adenoma cells were demonstrated by immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic studies. It is suggested that adenomatous null cells represent pluripotent progenitor cells capable of transforming to different hormone-producing cell types. The factors accounting for differentiating to various cell populations have yet to be elucidated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma / ultrastructure
  • Adult
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Pituitary Hormones / blood*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormones