No abstract

Introduction: In the search for markers of invasiveness of pituitary adenomas, we studied the expression of Ki-67 antigen, TOPO 2A (topoisomerase 2 alpha), AIP (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein), and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) in somatotropinomas. Material and methods:We retrospectively studied a group of 31 patients who underwent pituitary tumour surgery. Expression of Ki-67, TOPO 2A, AIP, and VEGF in surgical specimens was determined by immunohistochemistry. Relations between quantitatively determined markers and clinical symptoms, tumour features, and MR imaging, were analysed. Acromegaly was confirmed by hormonal tests in all patients studied. Local invasiveness (cavernous sinus penetration, optic chiasm compression or suprasellar extension) was observed in 18/31 patients (58.1%).