Localization of concanavalin A binding sites in human pituitary adenoma cells as revealed by HRP-labelling method

Intracellular lectin (Con A)-binding sites of human pituitary adenoma were examined by electron microscopy using the horseradish-peroxidase (HRP)-labelling technique. In this study were used 16 cases of human pituitary adenomas operated on in our clinics between 1977 and 1981: they concluded 4 each of PRL-, GH-, ACTH-producing and hormonal non-functioning adenomas. In parallel with the detection of lectin-binding sites, basal levels of their secreting hormones were determined by the radioimmunoassay technique, and their producing hormones were characterized light microscopically by the immunocytochemical HRP-labelling technique. In the present study, for hormonal functioning adenoma cells, mature or large granules of each specific type of adenoma cells had no definite Con A-binding sites. On the other hand, immature or small secretory granules of RPL- or GH-producing adenoma cells showed a positive reaction with Con A. ACTH-producing adenomas so far examined revealed no definite binding sites. Some variable results were obtained concerning non-functioning adenomas. Lectins have been and will be very useful in the detection of different subtypes of adenomas in each specific group.