Increased basic fibroblast growth factor in plasma from multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: relation to pituitary tumor.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumors of the parathyroids, pancreatic islets, and anterior pituitary. We previously reported a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-like substance in the plasma of subjects with MEN1. In the present study we used a novel sensitive specific 2-site immunoradiometric assay to test for bFGF in plasma. The assay employs immobilized affinity-purified N-terminal-specific anti-bFGF antibodies (antigen capture) and high affinity binding to radioiodinated heparin. bFGF-like immunoreactivity was undetectable (< 0.2 ng/mL) in normal subjects and in most unaffected relatives of MEN1 subjects. We found detectable bFGF ranging from 0.24-1.28 ng/mL in 21 of 50 subjects with MEN1. Seven of 8 MEN1 subjects with untreated pituitary tumors had detectable plasma bFGF-like immunoreactivity. Plasma bFGF-like immunoreactivity decreased after surgery for pituitary tumor in 4 patients and after initiation of bromocryptine therapy in 4 patients. bFGF was increased in the plasma of several subjects with sporadic endocrine disorders, including 3 with untreated or persistent acromegaly. We conclude that pituitary tumor is a possible source of high circulating bFGF immunoreactivity in MEN1 plasma.
Zimering
M B
MB
Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Katsumata
N
N
Sato
Y
Y
Brandi
M L
ML
Aurbach
G D
GD
Marx
S J
SJ
Friesen
H G
HG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004701:Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009377:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / Q000097:blood*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy
D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2