Abstract
Localization of basic fetoprotein (BFP) as well as its dynamics in malignant, normal tissue and precancerous lesions of the female genital organs were investigated. For light microscopy, conventionally processed paraffin sections were stained by the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. For electron microscopy, 4% paraformaldehyde fixed frozen sections were subjected to an indirect enzyme antibody method. As the results, BFP positive cases were 74% in ovarian carcinomas, 77% in endometrial carcinomas and 100% in cervical carcinomas. With respect to the localization of BFP in malignant, normal and precancerous cells, diffuse granular localization was observed in the cytoplasm of BFP positive cells. BFP was localized in the ribosomes of cells with well-developed organella, electron microscopically, and figures of dialyzing secretion were observed. Based on these findings, BFP was found in dedifferentiated cells still retaining the original structure and/or properties. This suggests BFP is a functional protein secreted by dialyzing pattern, and may become a good tumor marker of gynecological malignancies.
