Subcellular localization of leptin in non-tumorous and adenomatous human pituitaries: an immuno-ultrastructural study

Leptin is a key mediator in the maintenance of neuroendocrine homeostasis. Recently, leptin and leptin receptor expression were demonstrated in non-tumorous and adenomatous human pituitaries. This study was performed to determine the subcellular localization of leptin in human adenohypophyses (n = 3) and in various types of pituitary adenoma (n = 16). Immunoelectron microscopy showed leptin immunolabeling in most hormone-producing cells of the human non-tumorous adenohypophysis, but not in stellate cells. Labeling was noted over secretory granules. Immunocytochemistry using double labeling revealed leptin expression in GH-, ACTH-, TSH-, and FSH/LH-containing cells but not in PRL cells. The percentage of immunopositive cells and the intensity of immunostaining varied considerably among the various cell types. Immunoelectron microscopy with double gold labeling showed co-localization of leptin and adenohypophysial hormones in the same secretory granules. Among pituitary tumors, leptin immunolabeling was evident only in corticotroph adenomas. Compared to non-tumorous corticotrophs, leptin immunoexpression was less abundant in corticotroph adenomas. The presence of leptin and adenohypophysial hormones in the same secretory granules suggests that leptin is secreted concomitantly with various adenohypophysial hormones and that its release is under the control of hypothalamic stimulating and inhibiting hormones.