Differentiation and regulation of the corticotropic pituitary cell.
A number of primary diseases of the pituitary with adrenocorticotropin dysregulation have been recognized. A few genetic defects have been identified as causes of secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. Much less is known about the ontogeny of corticotrophic tumours leading to a hypercorticolaemic state. To improve the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, a better understanding of the mechanisms of corticotrophic pituitary cell differentiation and regulation is of clear interest. Studies using molecular tools have enhanced our knowledge over recent years, and a few reports of considerable relevance are summarized in this review.
IHF Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, Hamburg, Germany. petersenn@uke.uni-hamburg.de
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D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000502:physiology; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology*; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology
D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D015850:Interleukin-6; C507837:LIF protein, human; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone