Intracisternal virus-like particles in a human pituitary adenoma.

Electron microscopy revealed the presence of intracisternal virus-like particles in a mixed pituitary adenoma consisting of growth hormone cells and prolactin cells. The tumor was removed by surgery from a 48 year old man with a multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I syndrome. The significance of virus-like particles in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas remains to be elucidated.