Molecular pathology, a newly emerging field of research, is providing a deeper insight and understanding of the pituitary structure and its function in health and disease. This volume covers the basic principles of molecular pathology and summarizes the current knowledge of pituitary development as well as pituitary adenoma morphology and pathogenesis. Molecular, state-of-the-art techniques currently used for research and clinical applications are presented and the results of these fascinating and sophisticated modern tools are illustrated. The contents cover topics such as the mechanisms involved in pituitary development and cytogenesis, tumor development and functional differentiation, cell death, the molecular cytogenetics of defective genes and chromosomes, and pituitary tumor formation and progression. The contributors all are internationally well-known and esteemed experts. The chapters are comprehensive and up to date and focus on recent advances and should stimulate further studies. The present volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research will be of particular interest not only to basic scientists, but also pathologists, clinical endocrinologists and neurosurgeons.