Immunoelectron microscopy for growth hormone and prolactin in pituitary adenomas.

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH)- and prolactin (Prl)-producing pituitary adenomas were studied with immunoelectron microscopy using protein A-gold complex, and were compared with the normal pituitary gland. GH-producing cells were readily identifiable by numerous, uniformly dense, round secretory granules in both adenomas and normal pituitary gland. In contrast, Prl secretory granules in normal pituitary gland were much larger in size than the scarce, smaller, secretory granules of Prl-producing adenomas. Thus immunoelectron microscopic identification of Prl is more valuable for prolactinoma. With more specific antigens available as tumor markers, immunoelectron microscopy appears to be a powerful tool for tumor diagnosis.

• Authors: T Tomita, I Watanabe, S S Rengachary
• Journal: Human pathology (Hum Pathol) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 367-74 (Apr 1987) ISSN: 0046-8177 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3549533 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Prolactin
• Growth Hormone

Topics

• Adenoma (metabolism, ultrastructure)
• Cytoplasmic Granules (ultrastructure)
• Growth Hormone (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Microscopy, Electron
• Pituitary Neoplasms (metabolism, ultrastructure)
• Prolactin (metabolism)