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Published in:

01-04-2008

Immunoexpression of Androgen Receptor in the Nontumorous Pituitary and in Adenomas

Authors: Bernd W. Scheithauer, Kalman Kovacs, Suzan Zorludemir, Ricardo V. Lloyd, Seyda Erdogan, Jeffrey Slezak

Published in: Endocrine Pathology | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Little information is available regarding androgen receptor immunoexpression (AR) in the normal and neoplastic human pituitary. Available experimental data links it to primarily gonadotroph cells. We undertook an immunohistochemical study of 41 autopsy-derived normal glands from patients of both sexes and all ages as well as 79 fully characterized pituitary adenomas of all types, the focus being upon AR expression in normal and neoplastic gonadotrophs. Nuclear AR immunoreactivity was noted in gonadotrophs and other normal adeno- and neurohypophysial cells. In addition to its presence in 74% of gonadotroph and 55% of null cell adenomas, lesser proportions of other adenoma types (adrenocorticotropic hormone 50%, prolactin 38%, growth hormone 33%) also exhibited AR immunoreactivity. No staining of thyroid-stimulating hormone adenomas was noted. The physiologic significance of our findings remains to be explored. The literature regarding AR expression in animal and human pituitaries is reviewed.

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Title: Immunoexpression of Androgen Receptor in the Nontumorous Pituitary and in Adenomas
Authors: Bernd W. Scheithauer
Kalman Kovacs
Suzan Zorludemir
Ricardo V. Lloyd
Seyda Erdogan
Jeffrey Slezak
Publication date: 01-04-2008
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Endocrine Pathology / Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 1046-3976
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0097
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12022-007-9012-0

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