Abstract
Acromegaly and gigantism are due to prolonged oversecretion of growth hormone (GH) most often caused by a somatotroph adenoma of the pituitary. Although the morphologic features of various types of somatotroph adenomas have been extensively investigated by electron microscopy, very little information is available on the ultrastructural changes of non-tumorous somatotrophs in cases of protracted GH excess. Transgenic mice with foreign GH gene incorporated into their genome secrete ectopically increased quantities of GH, have elevated serum GH levels and develop gigantism; thus it seemed conceivable that these animals represent a valuable experimental model to investigate the effects of GH excess on the ultrastructure of pituitary somatotrophs and lactotrophs, the two adenohypophysial cell types which are more likely affected by the foreign GH gene.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
