ABSTRACT
Objective To in ve stigate quantitatively the expression of pituitary transcription activator (Pit) -1 mRNA in different types of human pituitary adenomas by RT-PCR. Methods Samples were obtained from 35 patients who had unde rgone therapeutic surgery for pituitary adenomas. The type of pituitary adenomas was determined according to serum hormone levels and clinical features, and the grade and the stage of pituitary adenomas were depended on imaging and operatio n observation. Expression of Pit-1 mRNA of pituitary adenomas was assayed by RT -PCR. Results Thirty five patients with pituit ary adenomas consisted of 13 cases with PRL adenomas, 6 cases with GH adenomas, 2 cases with GH/PRL mixed adenomas, 11 cases with clinically non-functioning ad enomas and 3 cases of ACTH adenomas. Pit-1 mRNA was expressed in all PRL, GH an d GH-PRL mixed adenomas and in some non-functioning adenomas (9/11). No Pit-1 mRNA expression was found in ACTH adenomas. Pit-1 mRNA levels in PRL, GH or GH /PRL mixed adenomas were similar and all higher than that in non-functioning ad enomas (all P