| Chromophobe cell | |
|---|---|
 Main staining types when usinghematoxylin and eosin (H&E) | |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H3.08.02.2.00018 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Achromophobe cell is acell that does notstain readily, and thus appears relatively paleunder the microscope. It is contrasted with achromophil cell that does stain easily.
Chromophobe cells are one of three cell stain types present in the anterior and intermediate lobes of thepituitary gland, the others beingbasophilic andacidophilic. One type of chromophobe cell is known asamphophilic. Amphophils are epithelial cells found in the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary. Together, these epithelial cells are responsible for producing the hormones of the anterior pituitary and releasing them into the bloodstream.Melanotrophs (also, Melanotropes) are another type of chromophobe which secretemelanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
"Chromophobe" also refers to a type ofrenal cell carcinoma (distinct from "clear cell").[1] Chromophobe renal cancer is part of a rare, genetic disorder known asBirt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome. While renal cell carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, chromophobe renal cancer only accounts for five percent of renal cancer cases. Furthermore, 30% of patients with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome will also develop chromophobe renal cancer. One of the only treatments for this type of cancer is to have surgery to remove any tumors that may be present.[2]