Centrioles and cilia in non-tumourous anterior lobes and adenomas of the human pituitary.

Abstract

Electron microscopy revealed the presence of centrioles and cilia in non-tumourous adenohypophysiocytes as well as in various adenomas of the human pituitary gland. Accumulation of centrioles and cilia was evident in sparsely granulated growth hormone cell adenomas. Abundance of centrioles is a valuable sign in establishing the diagnosis of this tumour. The possible functional significance of centrioles and cilia in adenohypophysial cells has been discussed.