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Immunocytochemical investigations on the vascularization of pituitary adenomas

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Abstract

Blood vessels within pituitary adenomas were visualized using the immunocytochemical reaction for Factor VIII (von Willebrand Factor), a specific marker of the vascular endothelium. The number of immunopositive vascular profiles were counted and expressed as a mean number per one microscopic field. The results were related to the type of adenoma, established on the basis of immunocytochemical investigation using the antibodies against pituitary hormones or α-subunit (α-SU). It was found that the richest vascularization occurred in adenomas expressing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The possible role of FSH in pituitary angiogenesis is discussed.

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Pawlikowski, M., Pisarek, H. & Jaranowska, M. Immunocytochemical investigations on the vascularization of pituitary adenomas. Endocr Pathol 8, 189–193 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02738785

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