Abstract
The term "null cell" adenoma was first proposed in 1980 to designate pituitary adenomas lacking clinical, biochemical and morphological markers to disclose their cell origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of α- and β-gonadotropin subunits in clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumors, which were initially immunonegative and thus diagnosed as null cell adenomas. For this reason, we reapplied immunohistochemistry using a more sensitive method comprising a tyramide signal amplification technique, combined with a polymer antibody immunohistochemical detection system. With this approach, all these previously negative tumors became positive for α- and β-gonadotropin hormone subunits. Our results prove that so-called "null cell" adenomas produce α-SU or/and β-FSH or β-LH and therefore are gonadotrph adenomas in origin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
