Pituitary adenomas with hyperfunction of TSH

Summary In a collection of 564 surgically removed pituitary adenomas, 4 cases were found to have had elevated TSH plasma levels. One of these tumors (case 1) could be classified as a highly differentiated mucoid TSH cell adenoma presenting histochemical reactions typical of, as well as electron microscopical features identical to, normal TSH cells. Immunoenzymatic studies failed to demonstrate TSH in the tumor cells. Two further adenomas (case 2 and 3) were similarly structured in many areas, but showed regions of poorer differentiation in which cells with distinct pleomorphism, irregular secretory granules, increased numbers of ribosomes and a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum were present. In 10% of the tumor cells GH could be demonstrated immunoenzymatically, but there was no TSH. The fourth adenoma was an undifferentiated acidophilic adenoma showing pleomorphic cells having slight acidophil and partly mucoid granulations. The ultrastructure showed convoluted nuclei, increased numbers of free ribosomes as well as abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory granules which were different in size and number but distinctly of the TSH cell type. Immunoenzymatically, TSH was found in some cells, with GH in more cells. Endocrinologically, elevated levels of GH were measured in cases 2, 3 and 4 with LH being increased in case 1. Clinical and morphological correlations are discussed.Supported by the Sonderforschungsbereich 34 (Endocrinology) of the Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftDedicated to Professor Dr. Gerhard Seifert on the occasion of his 60th birthday