Pathophysiology of Acromegaly*

Identification of Somatotrophs, Mammosomatotrophs, and Mammotrophs by Sandwich Cell Immunoblot Assay in GH-Secreting Adenomas and Prolactinomas. Correlations between the Proportions of Hormone Secreting Cells and Tumor Size.

“…mixed GH-PRL cell adenomas, acidophil stem cell adenomas which contain both GH and PRL, and mammosomatotroph cell adenomas which are considered to be a mature type of acidophil stem cell adenoma [37,38]. Our study showed that GH-secreting adenomas can be divided into three groups according to the composition of GH, PRL, and mammosomatotroph cells.…”

“…We cannot distinguish a mammosomatotroph cell adenoma from an acidophil stem cell adenoma on the basis of clinical data, immunohistochemical findings, and sandwich CIBA. Acidophil stem cell adenoma may be an adenoma composed of immature cells representing the common progenitor of GH and PRL cells [37]. However we can distinguish mammosomatotroph cell adenoma from acidophil stem cell adenoma by the presence of oncocytic changes under the electron microscope.…”

“…Case 19 was previously described [31] as a patient with mammosomatotroph cell adenoma because electron microscopy showed no oncocytic changes such as poorly developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum membranes, inconspicuous Golgi complexes or giant mitochondria [37]. A pituitary adenoma which secretes both GH and PRL in the same cell is thought to be an acidophil stem cell adenoma or a mammosomatotroph cell adenoma.…”

Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion in Man: A Review

“…A primary hypothalamic disturbance causing increased release of GRF has been claimed to lead to adenomatous transformation of the chronically-hyperstimulated somatotrophs (Melmed et al 1983). Certainly, patients with true somatotroph hyperplasia secondary to ectopic production of GRF exhibit the same abnormalities of GH secretion as are observed in acromegalics with pituitary adenomas, notably the abnormal responses to glucose, TRH and dopamine agonists .…”

Acromegaly and Gigantism

“…Acromegaly, a somatic growth and proportion disorder first described by Marie in 1886 (Marie, 1886). Elevated levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 are the hallmarks of this syndrome (Melmed, et al, 1983). When Marie first desribed this syndrome at his patients, pitutiary overgrowth is the cause or reflection of the visceromegaly at these patients.…”