Chromophobe cell

Chromophobe cells are a type of cell found in the anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, a gland located at the base of the brain. These cells are one of the three types of cells in the anterior pituitary, the other two being basophil cells and acidophil cells.

Function

Chromophobe cells are largely responsible for the storage and release of hormones that have been synthesized and secreted by the other cell types in the anterior pituitary. These hormones include growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.

Identification

Chromophobe cells are named for their property of not readily taking up histological stains, a characteristic that distinguishes them from the basophil and acidophil cells of the anterior pituitary. Under a microscope, chromophobe cells appear pale and have few granules in their cytoplasm.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in chromophobe cells can lead to various medical conditions. For instance, a chromophobe adenoma is a type of pituitary adenoma that arises from chromophobe cells. These tumors are usually benign and may cause symptoms by compressing nearby structures or by disrupting the normal function of the pituitary gland.

See also

• Pituitary gland
• Endocrine system
• Hormone