Integrative analysis of corticotrophs and folliculostellate cells: aging and paracrine regulation.

BACKGROUND

Aging of the human anterior pituitary is accompanied by structural remodeling of hormone-producing and non-endocrine cellular components. The coordinated morphometric relationship between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing corticotrophs and folliculostellate (FS) cells during aging remains insufficiently characterized.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty-nine human anterior pituitaries (33-95 years, both sexes) obtained at autopsy were examined using immunohistochemistry for ACTH and S-100 protein. Volume densities (VVACTH, VVFS) were quantified using calibrated digital morphometry. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to assess intercellular associations and age-related trends.

RESULTS

Both ACTH and FS cell volume densities demonstrated significant age-related increases (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between VVACTH and VVFS (R = 0.61, p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that increased FS cell density was significantly associated with increased corticotroph volume fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging of the human anterior pituitary is characterized by coordinated expansion of corticotroph and FS cell compartments. These findings support structural coupling between endocrine and non-endocrine cellular networks and reinforce the concept of paracrine integration within the aging adenohypophysis.