title: Localization of concanavalin A binding sites in human pituitary adenoma cells as revealed by HRP-labelling method.
abstract: Intracellular lectin (Con A)-binding sites of human pituitary adenoma were examined by electron microscopy using the horseradish-peroxidase (HRP)-labelling technique. In this study were used 16 cases of human pituitary adenomas operated on in our clinics between 1977 and 1981: they concluded 4 each of PRL-, GH-, ACTH-producing and hormonal non-functioning adenomas. In parallel with the detection of lectin-binding sites, basal levels of their secreting hormones were determined by the radioimmunoassay technique, and their producing hormones were characterized light microscopically by the immunocytochemical HRP-labelling technique. In the present study, for hormonal functioning adenoma cells, mature or large granules of each specific type of adenoma cells had no definite Con A-binding sites. On the other hand, immature or small secretory granules of RPL- or GH-producing adenoma cells showed a positive reaction with Con A. ACTH-producing adenomas so far examined revealed no definite binding sites. Some variable results were obtained concerning non-functioning adenomas. Lectins have been and will be very useful in the detection of different subtypes of adenomas in each specific group.
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D011952:Receptors, Concanavalin A / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011952:Receptors, Concanavalin A; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase