Expression and significance of E-cadherin and β-catenins in pituitary adenoma.

This study used immunohistochemical methods for detecting the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in pituitary adenoma. Specimens were collected from 91 cases. EnVision was used for immunohistochemical staining. The results were graded depending on the staining intensity and range. Associations between E-cadherin and β-catenin expression and tumor subtype, invasiveness, and postoperative recurrence were investigated. There was a significant downregulation of E-cadherin and β-catenin in growth hormone (GH)-type tumors when compared with prolactin-type tumors (u(c) = 2.693 and 2.109, respectively; P < .05). E-cadherin and β-catenin were downregulated in invasive pituitary adenomas (u(c) = 3.563 and 4.166, respectively; P < .05) and in clinically recurring pituitary adenomas (u(c) = 2.871 and 3.866, respectively; P < .05). There was no difference in the percentage of invasive prolactin and GH secreting tumors (28.57% and 22.86%, respectively; P > .05). The expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in pituitary adenoma was significantly downregulated and related to subtype, invasiveness, and postoperative recurrence.