Abstract
We report a case of struma ovarii with hyperthyroidism and elevated serum concentrations of type IV collagen and laminin. Circulating levels of type IV collagen and laminin were measured using specific radioimmunoassays (RIAs) for 7S collagen and the P-1 fragment of laminin, and the basement membrane components in the tumor were investigated by immunohistochemical analysis. Strong immunohistochemical staining specific for type IV collagen and for laminin was observed to be localized in the follicular walls. The serum levels of these antigens, as determined by RIA, were very high before removal of the tumor but decreased rapidly postoperatively. The present findings suggest that struma ovarii produces large amounts of type IV collagen and laminin. In addition, elevated levels of thyroid hormones might enhance the turnover of the basement membrane in various tissues.
