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Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Expression by Two Prolactin and Thyrotropin-Producing Pituitary Adenomas
Shereen Ezzat1, Eva Horvath, Kalman Kovacs
1MD, PhD.
Endocrine Pathology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is expressed in aggressive pituitary adenomas producing prolactin (PRL) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This suggests bFGF may drive fibrosis and tumor growth in these rare neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aggressive pituitary adenomas can exhibit unusual plurihormonal patterns, such as co-expression of prolactin (PRL) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Interstitial fibrosis is a notable morphological feature in some pituitary adenomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and potential role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in aggressive, plurihormonal pituitary adenomas co-producing PRL and TSH.
- To determine if bFGF contributes to tumor cell proliferation and fibrosis in these neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy for tumor characterization.
- Immunoassays to quantify hormone and bFGF levels in vivo and in vitro.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect bFGF mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Tumors displayed plurihormonal expression (PRL, TSH) and silent subtype 3 adenoma characteristics with significant interstitial fibrosis.
- Elevated circulating bFGF levels (7.5-20.5 pg/mL) were observed in patients, decreasing post-surgery.
- bFGF mRNA was detected in both adenomas, with measurable bFGF in culture media.
Conclusions:
- Expression of bFGF in these plurihormonal pituitary adenomas suggests a potential role in promoting fibrosis.
- bFGF may also contribute to tumor cell proliferation in this unusual type of pituitary neoplasm.