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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2004; 112(8): 458-461
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821232
Short Communication

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Mutation Analysis of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Receptor (LIF-R) in ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas

D. Heutling1 , K. D. Dieterich1 , M. Buchfelder2 , H. Lehnert1
  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Göttingen, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 September 2004 (online)

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Abstract

Numerous cytokines and particularly leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are involved in the differentiation, proliferation, and secretory function of ACTH-producing pituitary cells. LIF and its receptor LIF-R are abundantly expressed in normal pituitaries and in ACTH producing adenomas. The present study was performed to evaluate the possible role of LIF-R in the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

To test the hypothesis that a possible mutation of LIF-R might be involved in pathogenesis of Cushing's disease we analyzed ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas as well as inactive pituitary adenomas by RT-PCR and direct cycle sequencing. No mutations have been found in the adenomas investigated. We thus conclude that mutations in LIF-R are an unlikely cause for the development of Cushing's disease.

Key words

Leukemia inhibitory factor-receptor - pituitary adenoma - mutation analysis

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Prof. Dr. med. H. Lehnert

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg

Leipziger Straße 44

39120 Magdeburg

Germany

Phone: + 493916715445

Fax: + 49 39 16 71 54 89

Email: hendrik.lehnert@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de