Publication: Involvement of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors in the early development of the human pituitary gland
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Date
2008
Authors
Saraga-Babic, Mirna ; Bazina, Mirna ; Vukojevic, Katarina ; Bocina, Ivana ; Stefanovic, Vedran
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The spatial and temporal pattern of
appearance of pro-apoptotic caspase-3 and p53 proteins,
and anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein was investigated in the
developing pituitary gland of 6 human embryos 5-8-
weeks old, using morphological and immunohistochemical
techniques. Their dynamic appearance
was analyzed in the Rathke's pouch (future
adenohypophysis), mesenchyme, and in the developing
neurohypophysis. In the 5th and 6th week, caspase-3
positive cells appeared in the Rathke's pouch (5%) and
stalk (11%), in the mesenchyme, but not in the
neurohypophysis. In the 6th and 7th week, apoptotic
cells were more numerous in the caudal part of the
Rathke's pouch due to its separation from the oral
epithelium. Pro-apoptotic p53 protein was detected in all
parts of the pituitary gland throughout the investigated
period. Nuclear condensations characterized cells
positive to caspase-3 and p53 proteins. Apoptotic cells
displayed condensations of nuclear chromatin on an
ultrastructural level as well. While caspase-3 dependent
pathway of cell death participated in morphogenesis of
the adenohypophysis and associated connective tissue,
p53-mediated apoptosis most likely participates in
morphogenesis of all parts of the gland, including neurohypophysis. The anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein was
also detected in all parts of the developing gland. With
advancing development, the positivity to bcl-2 protein
increased in the cells of the adenohypophysis, while it
decreased in the neurohypophysis. Bcl-2 protein
probably prevented cell death in all parts of the gland
and enhanced cell differentiation. The described pattern
of appearance of the investigated pro-apoptotic and antiapoptotic
factors might be important for normal morphogenesis and function of the pituitary gland.
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