Demonstration of prolactin at the ultrastructural level in a pituitary adenoma by the use of colloidal gold labelling.
A prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma was removed in a 38-year-old man. The tumor was classified as a chromophobe adenoma on the basis of tinctorial staining, but immunocytochemistry revealed that cells reacted with anti-PRL serum. Electron microscopy showed secretory granules and evidence of high metabolic activity (well developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum). Immunoelectron microscopy by the immunogold staining method allowed a clear definition of prolactin containing granules.
D000236:Adenoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000328:Adult; D003102:Colloids; D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000032:analysis*
D003102:Colloids; D006046:Gold; D011388:Prolactin