Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Invasive Pituitary Adenomas

摘要

The matrix metalloproteinases are a family endopeptidases that are able to degrade the extracellular matrix and play a role in tumor invasion, progression and metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of the MMP-1,-3, and -9 and the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 corrlates with pituitary adenoma invasion. Thirty patients with pituitary adenoma were studied (15 invasive and 15 noninvasive tumors). Monoclonal antibodies against MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP were used for immunohistochemistry. In the invasive adenomas the expression of MMP-1, -3 and -9 was found in 9/15 (60%), 9/15 (60%), and 10/15 (67%) cases, respectively. In the group noninvasive adenomas the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 was found in 9/15 (60%), 6/15 (40%) and 8/15 (53%) cases, respectively. This indicates a high potential of extracellular matrix degradation.