Folliculo-stellate Cells in Pituitary Adenomas and Tumor Immunosurveillance
Author Information
Author(s): Vajtai Istvan, Kappeler Andreas, Sahli Rahel
Primary Institution: University of Bern, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Do some folliculo-stellate cells within inflammatory foci assume monocytic/dendritic properties in pituitary adenomas?
Conclusion
A subset of folliculo-stellate cells may be induced by local inflammation to take on dendritic cell-like properties and participate in tumor immunosurveillance.
Supporting Evidence
- A subset of folliculo-stellate cells was found to coexpress S-100 protein and HLA-DR.
- Inflammatory infiltrates were observed in the tumor tissue of the studied cases.
- Markers for follicular dendritic cells and Langerhans' cells tested negative in the study.
Takeaway
Some special cells in the pituitary gland can change to help the body fight tumors when there is inflammation.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical double labeling for S-100 protein and HLA-DR was used to identify folliculo-stellate cells in pituitary adenomas.
Limitations
The study is based on a small sample size and the findings may not be generalizable to all pituitary adenomas.
Participant Demographics
Three cases of pituitary adenomas (2 prolactin cell adenomas and 1 null cell adenoma) were studied.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website