Nagoya University researchers transplant stem cell-derived pituitary tissue into primate

Researchers led by Nagoya University in Japan have successfully transplanted human pituitary tissue grown from stem cells into a primate, marking a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. The study, published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, involved a macaque monkey that had undergone surgical removal of its pituitary gland.

The transplant enabled the recovery of essential hormonal signals, specifically increasing cortisol levels. This is a critical development because the pituitary gland controls the endocrine system by producing hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol is vital for managing stress, blood pressure, and glucose balance.

Currently, patients with pituitary disorders rely on lifelong hormone replacement therapy. However, artificial administration of corticosteroids often fails to mimic the body’s natural regulatory rhythms, which fluctuate based on time of day and stress levels. This breakthrough suggests a future where stem-cell-derived tissue could provide a more physiologically efficient solution for patients with hormonal deficiencies.