Identification of growth hormone receptor in plexiform neurofibromas of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
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.
Cunha
Karin Soares Gonçalves
KS
Postgraduate program of pathology, Medicine School, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. karingoncalves@terra.com.br
Barboza
Eliane Porto
EP
Fonseca
Eliene Carvalho da
EC
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*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin