Comparison of cellular changes in pituitary gland between the different age groups:

A histology-based study

 

 

Abstract               Background: Cells in different parts of pituitary gland (PTG) undergo significant changes according to the age. This study was conducted to evaluate the cellular changes in PTG in relation to age with the use of histology observations. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, A total of 73 PTG specimens were collected from foetus and cadavers. Selected specimens were divided into six groups based on the age [(G-I (Less than 1 Y), G-II (1-10 Y), G-III (11-30 Y), G-IV (31-50 Y), G-V (51-70 Y) and G-VI (Above 71 Y)]. All specimens were subjected to Hand E stain. The histology photos were taken under 40X. The slides were observed for cellular changes in PTG. Results: Group-I did not show any cord like arrangement in the periphery and follicular arrangement in the interior. In group-II pars anterior showed cord like arrangement in periphery and follicular arrangement in the interior. Significant changes was observed in the group-III, IV, V and VI compared to other groups regarding cord and follicular arrangement in the peripheral and interior of PTG. There are also significant changes in collagen, acidophils, basophils and cubodial cells in the high age group compared to low age groups. Conclusion: There will be significant changes in cellular appearance and its content as age progress. These changes are important in develop hyper and hypo conditions of PTG. Knowledge about histological changes in PTG improves the treatment strategy inpatients suffering from PTG disorders

Key Word: Acidophils, basophils, cord appearance, collagen, histology, zonation