gamma-trace in human pituitary adenomas.

gamma-Trace, a small protein occurring in body fluids and in secretory and neuroendocrine cells, was demonstrated by immunohistochemical techniques in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells of 13 pituitary adenomas obtained at surgery and autopsy. Seven of the adenomas also contained LH immunoreactivity. FSH, TSH, and ACTH were each found in one gamma-trace-containing adenoma. gamma-Trace was also demonstrated in extracts of 1 pituitary adenoma and of 5 nontumorous adenohypophyses. The immunoreactive protein found in the extracts had a molecular weight and electrophoretic mobility characteristic of gamma-trace. Computerized amino acid sequence comparisons between the primary structure of gamma-trace and those of known hormonal peptides showed no significant similarities.