Age-dependent expression of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in human pituitary gland

A major oxidative product, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is involved in ageing, carcinogenesis, and different diseases. The expression of 8-OHdG in the human pituitary gland was investigated immunohistochemically using specimens from individuals aged 19-88 years. 8-OHdG was localized at the nuclei of the anterior lobar parenchymal cells of the pituitary gland. The number of cells positive for 8-OHdG were counted, and the ratio of the positive cells to the total parenchymal cells was evaluated. The ratios increased in accordance with the ages of the individuals examined. Statistically, there was a significant correlation between the ages in years and the 8-OHdG positive ratios in the anterior lobar parenchymal cells (r = 0.757, p < 0.01). These findings indicate an age-dependent accumulation of 8-OHdG in the pituitary gland, which may also be related to the ageing of neuroendocrine systems as well.