We report the application of digoxigenin labelled oligonucleotide probes for the detection of hormonal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in human pituitary adenomas. Positive signal for the appropriate mRNA was detected in tumours associated with Cushing's disease, acromegaly and hyperprolactinaemia, where immunoreactivity for adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) growth hormone and prolactin had also been confirmed. In addition, we report the detection of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in the rat pituitary gland using an oligodeoxynucleotide probe directly linked to alkaline phosphatase.