Steroid hormone receptors in pituitary adenomas: a biochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric study on cryostat sections.

Oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors were measured by an isoelectric focussing technique in cytosols from cryostat sections of eight human pituitary adenomas. Cryostat sections adjacent to the assayed sample were stained for anterior pituitary hormones using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, and the cellularity of each neoplasm was calculated with the aid of a computerized image analysis system. The results of ER and PR assays were adjusted to compensate for variations in cellularity. ER were present in three prolactin adenomas, one growth hormone adenoma and one gonadotrophin adenoma. The latter also contained PR. Steroid hormone receptors were not detected in two null cell adenomas and one non-secretory oncocytoma. The results support the suggestion that antihormonal chemotherapy may be valuable in the treatment of certain pituitary adenomas.