Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression in sellar tumors: a histogenetic marker?

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2009 May;68(5):482-8. doi: 10.1097/NEN.0b013e3181a13fca.

Abstract

Pituicytomas are rare low-grade gliomas of the neurohypophysis. Their morphology and variable immunophenotype have led to speculation that they arise from pituicytes. Given the role of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) in the developing rodent infundibulum and its expression in the adult rat neurohypophysis, we speculated that TTF-1 would be a marker of human pituicytes. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that TTF-1 is strongly expressed in fetal and adult human pituicytes. A survey of sellar masses demonstrated specific TTF-1 expression in pituicytomas (n = 3), atypical pituicytomas (n = 2), and granular cell tumors (n = 4), indicating a common pituicyte lineage. TTF-1 expression in spindle cell oncocytomas (n = 8) is less easily explained but invites speculation. Our observations may have implications for the classification of these rare sellar neoplasms, all the while acknowledging the morphological diversity of pituicyte-related neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Glioma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / metabolism
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • NKX2-1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors