Calcium deposition in human pituitary adenomas studied by histology, electron microscopy, electron diffraction and X-ray spectrometry

The incidence and morphogenesis of calcification were investigated by histology, electron microscopy, electron diffraction and X-ray spectrometry in 312 surgically removed human pituitary adenomas. By light microscopy the incidence of calcification was 9 %. The calcium deposits were evident in several adenoma types, but were most frequent and extensive in prolactin-producing adenomas. Histologically, calcium deposits represented amorphous precipitates and psarnmoma bodies staining with hematoxylin, the von Kossa technique and alizarin red. By electron microscopy, calcified deposits were noted in the cytoplasm of adenoma cells and extracellular space. Electron diffraction and X-ray spectrometry of intracellular precipitates as well as psammoma bodies showed the presence of phosphate, calcium and organically bound sulphur with a ratio of 3.5 : 5 : 2, indicating that they contained calcium hydroxyapatite. Present findings provide evidence that mitochondria with microcrystal deposition of calcium represent the primary sites of calcification.