title: Neuron precursor features of spindle cell oncocytoma of adenohypophysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis (SCO) is a non-endocrine neoplasm with few recurrent forms described. It arises from the folliculo-stellate cells of the adenohypophysis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe a case of SCO in a 24-year-old woman and provide pathogenetic information.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry, with controls, for S100, SMI-311, neurofilament, EMA, CD68, GFAP, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and Ki67 were performed. CD44, nestin, Gli2, p-Akt(Ser 473) and p-mTOR(Ser 2448) antibodies were applied, and each analyte's cellular distribution and intensity were noted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  H&E showed a proliferation of spindle and polygonal cells with a fascicular pattern, without mitoses. There was reactivity for SMI-311, CD44, nestin, S100, EMA, and vimentin. Neurofilament, CD68, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and GFAP were not expressed. p-Akt and p-mTOR were expressed suggesting mTORC2. Gli2 showed nuclear expression in the tumoral cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that SCO has neuron-like precursor cells. Sonic hedgehog and mTOR pathways are activated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas-Houston, School of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sanda.alexandrescu@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Sanda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alexandrescu
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Nitin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tandon
authors.forename: Meenakshi B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bhattacharjee
mesh_terms: D018249:Adenoma, Oxyphilic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor