Summary
Native hCG and its α andβ subunits have been localized by immunocytochemistry in 45 testicular germ cell tumours of the testis.
Positivity was found for the three molecules in areas with trophoblastic differentiation or in syncytial-like giant cells present in some seminomas. Isolated positivity of hCG α was demonstrated in isolated cells usually found in areas of entodermal differentiation of immature malignant teratomas, and probably of neuro-endocrine function.
This finding points to genomic derepression in tumour cells and probably also indicates a variability in subunit synthesis and a defect in subunit recombination.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Blackman MR, Weintraub BD, Rosen SW, Kourides IA, Steinwascher K, Gall MH (1980) Human placental and pituitary glycoprotein hormones and their subunits as tumor markers: A quantitative assessment. Nat Canc Instit 65:81–93
Bosman FT, Giard RWM, Nieuwenhuijen Kruseman AC, Knijnenburg GK, Spaander PJ (1980) Human chorionic gonadrotrophin and alpha-fetoprotein in testicular germ cell tumours: a retrospective immunohistochemical study. Histopathology 4:673–684
Brodner OG, Grube D, Helmstaedter V, Kreienbrink ME, Wurster K, Forssmann WG (1980) Endocrine GEP-cells in primary testicular teratoma. Virchows Arch [Pathol Anat] 388:251–262
Gaspard v, Hustin J, Reuter AM, Lambotte R, Franchimont P (1980a) Immunofluorescent localization of placental lactogen, chorionic gonadotrophin and its alpha and beta subunits in organ cultures of human placenta. Placenta 1:135–144
Gaspard v, Reuter AM, Deville JL, Vrindts-Gevaert Y, Bagshaw EK, Franchimont P (1980b) Serum concentration of human chorionic gonadotrophin and its alpha and beta subunits. 2. Trophoblastic tumors. Clinical Endocrinology 13:319–329
Heitz PV, Kasper M, Kloppel G, Polak JM, Vaitukaitis JL (1983) Glycoprotein - Hormone alpha-chain production by pancreatic endocrine tumors: a specific marker for malignancy. Cancer 51:277–282
Mann K, Karl HJ (1983) Molecular heterogeneity of human chorionic gonadotrophin and its subunits in testicular cancer. Cancer 52:654–660
Mostofi FK, Sobin LH (1977) Histological classification of testis tumours. World Health Organization Geneva
Öberg K, Wide L (1981) hCG and hCG subunits as tumour markers in patients with endocrine pancreatic tumours and carcinoids. Acta Endocrinol 98:256–260
Reuter AM, Schoonbroodt J, Franchimont P (1976) Specific radioimmunoassay of hCG and its α andβ subunits Methods and results - In: Franchimont P (ed) Cancer related antigens. North-Holland Publ. Cy.-Amsterdam 237:250A
Seppälä M, Wahlström T (1980) Identification of luteinizing hormone releasing factor and alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones in ductal carcinoma of the mammary gland. Inter J Cancer 26:267–268
Sternberger LA (1979) Immunocytochemistry 2nd Edition John Wiley - Sons New York
Taylor CR, Kurman RJ, Warner NE (1978) The potential value of immunohistologic techniques in the classification of ovarian and testicular tumors. Human Pathol 9:417–427
Wahlström T, Seppälä M (1981) Immunological evidence for the occurence of luteinizing hormone releasing factor and the α subunit of glycoprotein hormones in carcinoid tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol 53:209–212
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported by GRANT no 3.4530.81 of FRSM and by the FONDS CANCEROLOGIQUE of C.G.E.R.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hustin, J., Reuter, A.M. & Franchimont, P. Immunohistochemical localization of HCG and its subunits in testicular germ cell tumours. Vichows Archiv A Pathol Anat 406, 333–338 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00704302
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00704302