Role of E-Cadherin, α-, β-, and γ-Catenins, and p120 (Cell Adhesion Molecules) in Prolactinoma Behavior

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Abstract
E-cadherin/catenin complex regulates cellular adhesion and motility and is believed to function as an invasion suppressor system. In a number of cancers, abnormal and reduced expression of E-cadherin/catenin complex is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Prolactinomas show frequent invasion on the surrounding structures, despite their histologically benign nature. Furthermore, gender-based differences in endocrine and surgical findings are found in patients with prolactinoma. To understand biological factors governing prolactinoma behavior, this study analyzed the expression of E-cadherin; α-, β-, and γ-catenins; p120; and cell proliferation marker MIB-1 labeling index in 13 invasive tumors (9 in men, 4 in women), 26 noninvasive tumors (4 in men, 22 in women), and 8 normal anterior pituitaries by immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining of E-cadherin; α-, β-, and γ-catenins; and p120 showed a membranous pattern of reactivity and generally stronger in normal pituitaries than in prolactinomas. Expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was significantly lower in invasive than in noninvasive prolactinomas (P <.002 and P <.005, respectively), and reduced expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was more frequent in invasive than in noninvasive prolactinomas (P <.001 and P <.05, respectively); in contrast, γ-catenin expression showed higher in invasive than in noninvasive prolactinomas (P <.05). Expression of E-cadherin was significantly lower in macroprolactinomas than in microprolactinomas (P <.01), and decreased expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin predicted high MIB-1 expression (P <.05). Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was significantly lower in macroprolactinomas in men than in those in women (P <.01 and P <.02, respectively). No statistical correlations were observed between expression of α-catenin, p120, and clinicopathologic features. In conclusion, the reduction of E-cadherin and β-catenin expression was related to invasiveness and proliferative status of prolactinomas and correlated with the more aggressive behavior of prolactinomas in men compared with in women.

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