[Immunohistochemical study on the expression of copper and zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) in human adenohypophysis and pituitary adenomas]

Abstract

A location of copper and zinc- superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) in adenohypophysis and pituitary adenomas was examined with immunohistochemical technique. Pituitary adenomas include thirteen functioning, five nonfunctioning; functioning adenomas consist seven prolactinomas, four growth hormone (GH) secreting, two adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting adenomas. Three specimens of normal adenohypophysis were used for control study. The Cu, Zn-SOD was localized diffusely in the cytoplasm of normal adenohypophyseal cells and the tumor cells. Sometimes immunoreactive products of Cu, Zn-SOD revealed in the cytoplasm of endothelial cell, neutrophil, macrophage and the cell membrane of erythrocyte in the vessels. The content of Cu, Zn-SOD in normal adenohypophyseal cells and pituitary adenomas was markedly higher in normal cells than adenoma cells. No significant difference of the SOD content was observed not only in non-functioning adenoma but also in functioning adenoma cells including PRL, GH and ACTH cells.