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Neuron-specific enolase in the pituitary gland
Neuroendocrinology
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is found in pituitary neuroendocrine cells and their tumors. This study confirms NSE
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cellular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a marker for peptide-secreting neuroendocrine cells and their tumors.
- Previous research has not extensively investigated NSE expression in the pituitary gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of NSE in normal rat and human pituitary glands.
- To examine NSE expression in various types of pituitary tumors (rat and human).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of serial pituitary sections from rats and humans.
- Detection of NSE and the six major anterior pituitary hormones.
- Analysis of normal pituitary tissue and spontaneous/induced pituitary tumors.
Main Results:
- NSE was strongly detected in the neural lobe and variably in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary.
- NSE immunoreactivity was observed in most anterior pituitary hormone-producing cells.
- All examined human and rat pituitary adenomas showed positive NSE staining.
Conclusions:
- The pituitary gland contains peptide-secreting neuroendocrine cells expressing NSE.
- NSE is a potential marker for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors.
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