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Intermediate filament expression in non-neoplastic pituitary cells
A Ogawa1, S Sugihara, Y Nakanishi
1Department of Pathology, Gunma Cancer Center Hospital, Japan.
Virchows Archiv. B, Cell Pathology Including Molecular Pathology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated keratin and other protein expression in human pituitary glands. Keratin is present in most pituitary epithelial cells, with varied co-expression patterns indicating cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- The human pituitary gland comprises distinct anatomical regions with diverse cell types.
- Understanding the protein expression profiles of these cells is crucial for diagnosing pituitary disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression patterns of keratin, vimentin, neurofilaments (NFs), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and S-100 protein in non-neoplastic human pituitary glands.
- To investigate the co-expression of these proteins within different pituitary cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Immunoperoxidase staining was performed on 51 non-neoplastic human pituitary glands.
- Antibodies used included those for keratin, vimentin, NFs, GFAP, desmin, actin, S-100 protein, and pituitary hormones.
Main Results:
- Keratin immunoreactivity was detected in most epithelial cells across all pituitary regions, including endocrine cells, metaplastic cells, and infiltrating cells.
- Co-expression of keratin and NFs was observed in anterior lobe endocrine cells.
- Co-expression of keratin, vimentin, and GFAP occurred in pars intermedia follicular cells.
- Vimentin and GFAP were co-expressed in folliculo-stellate cells and pituicytes.
- Pars intermedia epithelium showed differential expression of GFAP, S-100 protein, and pituitary hormones.
Conclusions:
- Keratin is a common marker for pituitary epithelial cells, with its expression varying based on cell type and location.
- Specific co-expression patterns of intermediate filaments and S-100 protein provide insights into cell differentiation and function within the pituitary gland.