Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction with pituitary gland melanotroph adenoma in a Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi)

J Vet Med Sci. 2024 Jan 10;86(1):71-76. doi: 10.1292/jvms.23-0177. Epub 2023 Nov 20.

Abstract

A 22-year and 9-month-old female Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) showed signs of polyuria, polydipsia, glucosuria, and muscle atrophy. Blood tests revealed hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, electrolyte imbalance, high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, and low levels of hormones secreted by the pituitary pars distalis. Pathological examinations revealed a pituitary gland tumor and bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia. Pituitary tumor cells showed immunoreactivity for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and ACTH. The deposition of amyloid β was observed in the parenchyma and vascular walls of the cerebrum. The zebra showed clinical signs of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and was histopathologically diagnosed with pituitary gland melanotroph adenoma. This case report provides insight into neoplastic and endocrine diseases associated with the aging of a zebra.

Keywords: Grevy’s zebra; melanotroph adenoma; pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma* / pathology
  • Adenoma* / veterinary
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Animals
  • Equidae
  • Female
  • Melanotrophs / metabolism
  • Melanotrophs / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • Pituitary Neoplasms* / veterinary

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone