Immunological and clinical aspects of lymphocytic hypophysitis.
LYH (lymphocytic hypophysitis) is an autoimmune disease of the pituitary gland which can present with varying degrees of pituitary hormonal impairment and/or with symptoms related to pituitary enlargement. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and the role of organ-specific and antipituitary antibodies as potential markers of LYH. In addition, although the mechanisms underlying LYH are not completely understood, the role of prolactin, which plays an important part in maintaining immune system homoeostasis and is increased in the disease, is considered.
De Bellis
Annamaria
A
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Surgery, "F. Magrassi, A. Lanzara", Second University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy. annamaria.debellis@unina2.it
Ruocco
Giuseppe
G
Battaglia
Marina
M
Conte
Marisa
M
Coronella
Concetta
C
Tirelli
Gilda
G
Bellastella
Antonio
A
Pane
Elena
E
Sinisi
Antonio Agostino
AA
Bizzarro
Antonio
A
Bellastella
Giuseppe
G
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000503:physiopathology; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies