[Immunocytochemical similarities between basophilic and chromophobe pituitary adenomas. Light and electron microscopic study of 13 cases (author's transl)]

Abstract

ACTH, beta MSH, beta LPH, beta endorpSin, leucine and methionine enkephalin activities were tested in four Cushing pituitary basophilic adenomas and nine "chromophobe" adenomas with immunoperoxidase methods. The antisera gave various positive reactions in both of these groups. ACTH, alpha MSH and enkephalins were predominant. The reason why these hormones are clinically silent in "chromophobe" or, even, basophilic adenomas is still to be elucidated.