Expression of extracellular matrix-proteins in perisellar connective tissue and dura mater

To describe the pattern of expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in perisellar connective tissue. Dural and perisellar specimens from ten individuals were investigated immunohistochemically for collagens I to IV, tenascin, fibronectin, elastin, laminin, and vitronectin. Collagen I and III and fibronectin were strongly expressed and collagen IV, tenascin, and vitronectin were moderately expressed in the boundaries of the sella and around the CS. In six of nine specimens from the anterior boundary of the sella, and in 11 of 19 samples from the lateral boundary of the sella (medial wall of CS), two different layers could be detected by the expression of different ECM proteins. None of the antigens generally allowed differentiation between two layers of the pituitary envelope. The pituitary boundary may consist of a single or a double layer, infrequently differentiated from each other by the expression of different ECM proteins.