Immunohistochemical expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptor in normal and neoplastic human adrenal cortex

• BACKGROUND:Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may influence cellular growth, differentiation and secretion.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Cryosectioned normal human adrenal glands (n = 6), cortical adenoma (n = 21), and carcinoma (n = 17) were stained immunohistochemically for IGF-1 and its receptor, and human adrenocortical cancer cells expressing the receptor were analysed for influences on proliferation.RESULTS:Normal cortical parenchyma generally displayed faint IGF-1 reactivity and intracellular receptor staining. Similar labelling encompassed the adenomas, but only 6 of them were receptor reactive. IGF-1 expression was conspicuous in 11 carcinomas, and 6 of them displayed cell surface receptor reactivity. All aldosterone producing lesions were receptor antibody unreactive. Recombinant IGF-1 dose-dependently stimulated the cell proliferation, and this effect was reversed by the receptor antibody.CONCLUSION:IGF-1 may interact with function and proliferation of the human adrenal cortex with particular reference to cortical carcinomas lacking discernible aldosterone excess.

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