The Significance of α-Subunit as a Tumor Marker for Gonadotropin-Producing Pituitary Adenomas∗

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Abstract
We studied gonadotropin hormone a-subunit and gonadotropin secretion in four patients with gonadotropinproducing pituitary adenomas. All four patients had elevated plasma a-subunit levels, ranging from 2.8−8.5 ng/ml (normal, LHRH were less than those in seven patients with primary gonadal failure. The relative proportions of the gonadotropin and α-subunit peaks in one patient were the same before and after LHRH administration, based on gel filtration studies of plasma. The α-subunit levels decreased little during testosterone treatment in the two adenoma patients so treated. Immunohistochemical study of the adenomas from two patients demonstrated definite staining with α-subunit and gonadotropin antisera. Elevated plasma levels of α-subunit and its relative unresponsiveness to LHRH stimulation or testosterone suppression suggest that the a-subunit originated in tumor tissue and that its measurement is useful for the diagnosis of a gonadotropin-producing tumor in patients with elevated plasma levels of LH and/or FSH. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab63: 564, 1986

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