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Ultrastructure of corticotroph cells in human pituitary tumors

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Summary

A human pituitary cell type similar to the corticotroph cell observed with the light microscope is described. The cells are of irregular shape and their cytoplasmic processes sometimes seem to completely surround one or more cells. They often form follicles which are usually distended with electron-dense material. Secretory granules of different density, heterogenous appearance and with a maximum diameter of 200 nm were observed in the process of release from cells. The mitochondria of these cells are slender and twisted, showing sites of contact between the inner and outer membranes. The inner membrane is irregularly orientated. The corticotrophs are rich in polysomes, glycogen and cytoplasmic filaments.

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Author notes

  1. Irene von Lawzewitsch

    Present address: Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Paraguay 2155, 10 Piso, Buenos Aires, Capital Rep., Argentina

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Paraguay 2155, 10 Piso, Buenos Aires, Capital Rep., Argentina

    G. H. Dickmann & E. Franke

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  1. Irene von Lawzewitsch
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  2. G. H. Dickmann
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  3. E. Franke
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von Lawzewitsch, I., Dickmann, G.H. & Franke, E. Ultrastructure of corticotroph cells in human pituitary tumors. Protoplasma 81, 163–175 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01275810

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01275810

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