Volume and Histology of the Human Pharyngeal Hypophysis

Abstract

The pharyngeal hypophysis and the pars distalis of the hypophysis cerebri were examined in each of 52 cadavers of a mean age of 75 years. Comparative studies were made of volume and histology. The pharyngeal hypophysis was found to be of appreciable volume and to represent up to 0.5% of the total adenohypophysial tissue in the cadaver. The pars distalis in the female was significantly larger than that in the male, but no significant sex difference in size was noted in the pharyngeal hypophysis. In the majority of subjects, the histological appearance of the pharyngeal hypophysis closely resembled that of the pars distalis. The findings of this investigation demonstrate that, on the basis of size and cytology, the pharyngeal hypophysis is of functional significance in the presence of an aged, normal pars distalis. The suggestion is made that the functional significance of the pharyngeal hypophysis may increase with age, particularly in the male.

Human pharyngeal and sellar pituitary glands: differences and similarities revealed by an immunocytochemical study

“…A major difference between both glands is the volume of the pharyngeal pituitary, which in adults represents about 0-13% of the volume of the sellar adenohypophysis (McGrath, 1967). Because of its small volume and the relatively low percentage of hormone-producing cells, the present study confirms that the pharyngeal pituitary is not an important source of adenohypophyseal hormones in adults.…”

Secretion of Corticotrophin and Somatotrophin by the Senescent Adenohypophysis in Man

“…In a study of 52 specimens of the pharyngeal hypophysis obtained at autopsy of 34 men and 18 women, McGrath (1967) failed to demonstrate regressive changes parallel with advancing age. Arteriosclerotic changes were not observed and increasing fibrosis or cytolosis were not histologically demonstrable.…”

“…The available data on the vascularization of the adenohypophysis in old age are rather controversial (Cooper 1925, Nizzi-Nutti 1938, Spagnoli & Charipper 1955, Randall 1962, Everitt 1964, McGrath 1967. Most of these in¬ vestigators are of the opinion that the blood supply to the hypophysis is re¬ duced in old age, but documentation is rather defective.…”

Location of ectopic adrenocortical hormone‐secreting tumors causing Cushing's syndrome in the paranasal sinuses

“…These clusters of cells are uniformly embedded in the mucoperiosteum and most commonly located in the sphenoid bone. Although initially regarded as an endocrine inactive tissue, it is now recognized that these clusters are composed of a diversity of normal pituitary cells 15,16 and have the capacity to develop a vascular network during the fourth decade and establish endocrine communication with the hypothalamus. 17 Abnormal prolif- 21 and other suprasellar regions.…”

“…The scan also showed osteopenic-appearing vertebral bodies, 2 small benign-appearing lung nodules, and bilateral nodular enlargement of the adrenal glands. The adrenal findings led to the measurement of plasma cortisol of 123.5 lg/dL (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22), ACTH 648 pg/mL (5-52), and urine-free cortisol of 11,640 lg/ day (20-90). The clinical picture was consistent with ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (hyperpigmentation, volume overload, severe hypokalemia, and leukocytosis), and it was supported by the very high cortisol levels.…”