A microscopic study of human pituitary gland from birth to old age

Abstract

The histology of pituitary gland undergoes several changes with increase in age. A total of 68 cadavers were utilised to observe the histological changes in pituitary from birth to 70 years of age. The pituitary glands were removed and subjected to routine Haematoxylin & Eosin procedure. At birth, acidophils are comparatively greater than basophils indicating probably lactotroph hyperplasia due to high maternal estrogen levels. At 19 years of age (pregnant), increase in the distribution of acidophils was again observed indicating probably lactotroph hyperplasia in pregnancy. In the middle age, no major histological changes were observed in the pituitary gland. At 65 years increased amount of connective tissue forming interstitial septa was observed due to fibrosis, an age related change. At 70 years increased amount of colloid deposition was noted in the intermediate lobe cysts, an age related change. The knowledge of histological changes in pituitary with increasing age helps in understanding various endocrine and metabolic disorders