ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Immunohistochemistry
;
Electron microscopy
;
ACTH
;
Pituitary gland
;
Neoplasm
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Immunohistochemical localization of theN-terminal fragment (1–76) (NTF) of human pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) was studied in human adult and fetal pituitary glands, as well as in pituitary adenomas associated with Cushing's syndrome and in ectopic ACTH-producing tumors. Comparison of localization between NTF and ACTH was performed using mirror sections. Our results indicated concomitant localization of NTF and ACTH in the same cells, not only in normal adult and fetal pituitaries but also in pituitary adenomas and ectopic ACTH producing tumours. Specificity of the NTF staining was confirmed by immunoabsorption. Negative staining of the bovine pituitary gland indicated the immunohistochemical localization ofN-terminal (1–45) of human POMC as there is a known species difference in the sequence 1–45 between human and the bovineN-terminal fragment. Presence of NTF in cisterna of rough endoplasmic reticulum indicates its production by small cell carcinoma. These findings, together with the previous studies, suggest that the complete form of POMC is produced in the tumours as well as in normal pituitaries.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00707990
