Article
Immunohistochemical expression of matrix-proteins in pituitary capsule and dura mater
Immunhistologische Expression von Matrix-Proteinen in der Hypophysenkapsel und Dura mater
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Authors
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U. J. Knappe
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden
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R. Schönmayr
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden
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A. Fisseler-Eckhoff
- Institut für Pathologie und Zytologie, Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden
| Published: | May 4, 2005 |
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Outline
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Objective
An immunohistochemical study was performed in order to elucidate the pattern of expression of matrix proteins in perisellar connective tissue as possible targets for proteinases derived from invasive pituitary adenomas.
Methods
Post mortem specimens were obtained from 10 individuals without endocrinological disorders (4 females, 6 males, mean age 70 yrs, range 47 – 81 yrs): anterior pituitary boundary n=9, diaphragma sellae n=2, medial wall of the cavernous sinus n=19, lateral wall of the cavernous sinus n=20, convexity dura n=9, tentorial dura n=10, temporal fascia n=10, intracavernous internal carotid artery n= 14, internal jugular vein n=8. The material was formalin-fixed and embedded in paraffine. Immunohistochemical detection using commercially available antibodies against collagen I, II, III, and IV, as well as tenascin, fibronectin, elastin, laminin, and vitronectin was performed using the streptavidine-biotin method. Immunohistochemical reaction was classified as strong, moderate, weak, and negative.
Results
Collagen I and III were strongly, collagen II weakly, and collagen IV moderately expressed in the medial and lateral as well as anterior boundaries of the sella and the cavernous sinus. Fibronectin was strongly expressed in the boundaries of the sella and dura mater. Tenascin and vitronectin showed moderate expression in these structures, whereas expression of elastin and laminin was weak or absent. In 6 of 9 specimens derived from the anterior boundary of the sella (pituitary capsule) two different layers could be detected by the expression of collagen I (n=1), collagen II (n=1), collagen III (n=2), collagen IV (n=3), tenascin (n=4), fibronectin (n=3), vitronectin (n=1), and elastin (n=1). In 11 of 19 specimens derived from the lateral boundary of the sella (medial wall of the cavernous sinus) two different layers could be detected by the expression of collagen I (n=5), collagen II (n=3), collagen III (n=3), collagen IV (n=4), tenascin (n=8), fibronectin (n=4), vitronectin (n=7), and elastin (n=1).
Conclusions
Our observations indicate that the pituitary boundary may be composed of a single or a double layer, which in part may be differentiated from dura mate. As far as the expression of different matrix proteins is concerned, there is an indicatiion that distinct proteinases may be responsible for the development of invasive tumor growth in this area.
