Open AccessPRODUCTION OF ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN BY HUMAN GERM CELL TUMORS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Author(s) -
Motoyama Teiichi,
Watanabe Hidenobu,
Yamamoto Takahiko,
Sekiguchi Morimasa
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
acta patholigica japonica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 0001-6632
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1987.tb00459.x
Subject(s) - yolk sac , alpha fetoprotein , pathology , embryonal carcinoma , biology , germ cell tumors , germ cell , in vivo , in vitro , embryo , cellular differentiation , cancer research , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , biochemistry , genetics , chemotherapy , hepatocellular carcinoma
The production of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) by human germ cell tumors was studied in surgical specimens, cultured cells and transplanted tumors in nude mice. AFP was detected most frequently in yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumors, and it was also detected, though only occasionally, in embryonal carcinomas and in teratomas. AFP‐positive cells in teratomas presented a glandular or hepatoid appearanece. Our experimental data suggest that AFP production in embryonal carcinomas is due to the functional expression of yolk sac differentiation preceding its morphologic expression. Although the transplanted tumors maintained the productivity of AFP, the cultured cells were not successful in maintaing a continuous AFP production.