Abstract
The expression of transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta-1) was investigated in five normal human pituitary glands and 48 human pituitary adenomas using immunoreactivity to polyclonal antibodies against human TGF-beta-1. The relationship between hormone production and the expression of TGF-beta-1 was also investigated. TGF-beta-1 was detected in both normal cells of pituitary gland and in tumor cells of pituitary adenoma. Fifteen of 48 pituitary adenomas showed positive immunoreactivity for TGF-beta-1. Immunohistochemical staining of serial sections revealed coexpression of TGF-beta-1 and pituitary hormones in pituitary adenomas (PRL, ACTH, GH) and in normal pituitary glands (PRL, ACTH, LH). Intense and widespread positive immunoreactivity was observed in lactotroph cell adenomas. These results suggest TGF-beta-1 may be important in the differentiation and proliferation of the cells of normal adenohypophysis and adenoma.
