title: An immunohistochemical study of human pituicytes demonstrating frequent expression of MHC class II antigens and macrophage markers.
abstract: Using a panel of antibodies (Abs) and a lectin, normal human adult pituicytes were studied in neurohypophyses obtained from 29 patients at autopsy. The pituicytes reacted frequently with Abs against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens (Ags), macrophage markers (KP.1, PG.M1, LN-5), an anti-vimentin Ab and a biotinylated lectin Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA-1). The number of pituicytes immunostained for these reagents varied, with the notable exception of vimentin. MHC class II Abs (LN-3, CR3.43)-positive pituicytes were numerous in approximately half. Microscopically, MHC class II Ag was found in pituicytes of various shapes, and were identified in macrophage-typed pituicytes by electron microscopic immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was found in only a small number of pituicytes and was absent in cells labeled with MHC class II Abs or macrophage markers. The results indicate that the immunophenotype of human pituicytes is distinct from other glial cells of the central nervous system, with a considerable number of cells expressing MHC class II Ags and macrophage markers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sasaki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hirato
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakazato
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D006681:HLA-D Antigens