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Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(11/12): 664-666
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-814165
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Role of the GH/IGF System in Pituitary Tumorigenesis

W.  Zumkeller1
  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received 31 August 2003

Accepted without Revision 17 September 2003

Publication Date:
07 January 2004 (online)

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Abstract

Pituitary adenomas are mostly benign tumours that originate from differentiated anterior pituitary cells. Altered expression of growth factors or their receptors could enhance clonal expansion of pituitary adenoma cells. GHRH overstimulation or an activating point mutation in the Gsa-subunit leads to increased GH secretion and tumour formation. In contrast, IGF-I suppresses basal and GHRH-stimulated GH secretion in pituitary adenoma cells, whereas prolactin secretion is unaffected. Somatostatin analogues and pegvisomant, a novel growth hormone-receptor antagonist, results in a reduction of serum IGF-I levels and clinical improvement in patients suffering from pituitary adenoma. Thus, this review focuses on the role of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor system in pituitary tumorigenesis with particular focus on the genetic alterations described in pituitary adenomas up to now.

Key words

Pituitary - Adenoma - GHRH - Growth hormone - Insulin-like growth factor

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Dr. W. Zumkeller

Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University · Dept. of Paediatrics

Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 · 60590 Frankfurt/Main · Germany

Phone: + 49 (69) 63 01 50 25

Fax: + 49 (69) 63 01 78 32 ·

Email: walter.zumkeller@kgu.de