Protein and mRNA expression of Notch3 in non-functional pituitary adenomas

Objective To explore the role of Notch3 in the progression of non-functional pituitary adenomas.Methods Sixteen tumor tissue specimens from patients with non-functional pituitary tumors,collected in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2011,and 5 normal human pituitary tissue specimens,donated by the Organization,were obtained.Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Notch3 in the above tissues.Results Notch3 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in clinically non-functional pituitary adenomas and Notch3 protein was expressed at an obviously higher level in non-functional pituitary adenomas as compared with those in normal human pituitary tissues (P＜0.05).Conclusion The over-expression of protein Notch3 may facilitate the growth of non-functional pituitary adenomas. Key words: Notch3; Pituitary tumor; Over-expression