Sex differences in the development of prolactinoma in mice overexpressing hCGβ: role of TGFβ1

What is it about?

In the present study we describe alterations and sex differences in the pituitary TGFβ1 system of transgenic mice overexpressing the human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (hCGβ+ mice). Female transgenic mice develop prolactinomas, while hCGβ+ males do not. The decreased expression and activity of TGFβ1, a potent inhibitor of lactotroph proliferation, found in hCGβ+ female pituitaries is undoubtedly involved in the development of prolactinoma in this group. On the contrary, the stronger TGFβ1 system found in male pituitaries could protect them from excessive lactotroph proliferation and prolactinoma development.

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