The endocrine system involves various glands that secrete hormones. The pituitary gland is sometimes known as the ‘master’ endocrine gland because it produces a range of hormones that influence other glands. It is situated at the base of the brain (see Figure 1) and is divided into three lobes, two of which can be seen in Figure 2. An important property of the adult pituitary gland is plasticity — its ability to vary both level and type of hormone production and secretion as the physiological demands of the body change. For instance, when female mammals are about to give birth, the levels of several hormones change considerably to ensure production of milk (lactation).
Researchers have recently found evidence for a type of stem cell in adult pituitary glands. These cells contribute to the plasticity of the glands because they can differentiate into different types of hormone-producing cells. Some molecules can be used as markers for stem cells, and the one used in this study is β-catenin. This large, manyfolded molecule has been found in the pituitary. It is involved in cell–cell adhesion and in cell proliferation.
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