The expression of PSA-NCAM in pituitary adenomas and its clinical implication

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule(PSA-NCAM) and its relation with invasion, histology type and Ki-67 antigen. Methods Sixty specimens and clinical data of pituitary adenomas were collected after operation, and 3 cadaveric specimens of normal pituitary tissues were obtained. The expression of PSA-NCAM was detected by immunohistochem-isty. Results The positive expression rate of PSA-NCAM was 52. 6% in all pituitary adenomas, but no expression was detected in normal pituitary tissues. Of 25 male and 36 female patients with pituitary adenoma, the positive expression rate of PSA-NCAM was 44.0% and 41.7% respectively (P>0.05). The mean age was 42. 1 ± 11. 2 in PSA-NCAM expression group, and that was 44. 7 ± 12. 4 in PSA-NCAM no expression group (P>0.05 ). The Ki-67 label index ( Ki-67LI) was(3. 6±1. 3 ) % in PSA-NCAM expression group, and that was (2.7±1.4) % in PSA-NCAM no expression group (P <0. 05). The average tumor width was (2. 5±0. 9) cm in PSA-NCAM expression group, and that was (1.6±1.2) cm in PSA-NCAM no expression group (P<0.05). The positive expression rate of PSA-NCAM was 62. 5% in invasive pituitary adenomas, and that was 20. 7% in no invasive pituitary adenomas (P<0.01). Conclusion The PSA-NCAM expression of pituitary adenomas was related to its size, invasion, and proliferation index, but not to gender and age of the patients. Key words: Pituitary adenoma; Adhesion molecule; Ki-67; Invasion