title: Identification of growth hormone receptor in plexiform neurofibromas of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of growth hormone receptor in plexiform neurofibromas of neurofibromatosis type 1 patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The development of multiple neurofibromas is one of the major features of neurofibromatosis type 1. Since neurofibromas commonly grow during periods of hormonal change, especially during puberty and pregnancy, it has been suggested that hormones may influence neurofibromatosis type 1 neurofibromas. A recent study showed that the majority of localized neurofibromas from neurofibromatosis type 1 patients have growth hormone receptor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Growth hormone receptor expression was investigated in 5 plexiform neurofibromas using immunohistochemistry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four of the 5 plexiform neurofibromas were immunopositive for growth hormone receptor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that growth hormone may influence the development of plexiform neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate program of pathology, Medicine School, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. karingoncalves@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Karin Soares Gonçalves
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.forename: Eliane Porto
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Barboza
authors.forename: Eliene Carvalho da
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Fonseca
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018318:Neurofibroma, Plexiform / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000209:etiology; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin