MULTI-HORMONAL PITUITARY ADENOMAS

66 pituitary tumours detected at autopsy were investigated for the presence of corticotropin, β-lipotrophin, growth hormone, prolactin, thyrotropin and gonadotropins by immunocytochemistry. 56 tumours contained hormone-producing cells; 45 were found to contain 2 or more hormones. This finding confirms and extends previous morphologic and clinical observations. The majority of pituitary tumours are mixed and they probably arise from impaired regulation at the hypothalamic and/or pituitary level.