Some hypothalamic hamartomas contain transforming growth factor α, a puberty-inducing growth factor, but not luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons

H. Jung, P. Carmel, M. S. Schwartz, J. W. Witkin, K. H.P. Bentele, M. Westphal, J. H. Piatt, M. E. Costa, A. Cornea, Y. J. Ma, S. R. Ojeda

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    98 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Activation of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion, essential for the initiation of puberty, is brought about by the interaction of neurotransmitters and astroglia-derived substances. One of these substances, transforming growth factor α (TGFα), has been implicated as a facilitatory component of the glia-to-neuron signaling process controlling the onset of female puberty in rodents and nonhuman primates. Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are tumors frequently associated with precocious puberty in humans. The detection of LHRH-containing neurons in some hamartomas has led to the concept that hamartomas advance puberty because they contain an ectopic LHRH pulse generator. Examination of two HH associated with female sexual precocity revealed that neither tumor had LHRH neurons, but both contained astroglial cells expressing TGFα and its receptor. Thus, some HH may induce precocious puberty, not by secreting LHRH, but via the production of trophic factors - such as TGFα able to activate the normal LHRH neuronal network in the patient's hypothalamus.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)4695-4701
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    Volume84
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1999

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
    • Biochemistry
    • Endocrinology
    • Clinical Biochemistry
    • Biochemistry, medical

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