Postnatal evolution of the human pineal gland. An immunohistochemical study.
Pineal glands from 16 infants ranging from 38 weeks gestation to 3 years of age were fixed in buffered formalin; Paraffin sections were stained for neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and S-100 protein (S-100) using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method and hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-Fontana, and Bodian stains. The pineal glands of neonates consisted of cords of closely packed, dark, nucleated cells (type I) with intervening loosely arranged, large, clear cells (type II). The type I cells were frequently pigmented and occasionally exhibited rosette formation. They were positive for S-100 and negative for neuron-specific enolase. The type II cells were strongly positive for neuron-specific enolase and negative for melanin and S-100. The type I cells were the predominant cell type at birth; however, the number of type II cells gradually increased with age, and by the age of 1 year, only scattered S-100 positive cells, consistent with sustentacular cells, were found. The findings indicated that the human pineal glands undergo a remarkable morphologic and functional evolution as an endocrine organ in the postnatal life.
Department of Pathology, Mercy Hospital Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
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D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000032:analysis; D010802:Phylogeny; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development; D011247:Pregnancy; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D008543:Melanins; D009418:S100 Proteins; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase