Abstract
Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) is expressed in testicular germ-cell tumors (GCT) according to studies using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining. To further understand the relationship between SSEA-4 and the histogenesis of testicular GCT, we examined the expression of SSEA-4 in 43 samples of testicular GCT either by immunohistochemical staining or by TLC immunostaining. Immunohistochemical staining detected SSEA-4 in spermatogonia from the non-tumor parts of the testis and in all of 8 samples of intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU). Immunohistochemical staining was SSEA-4 positive in all 9 seminomas, and in one yolk sac tumor and in 5 embryonal carcinomas among 9 non-seminomas. Immunostaining with TLC showed that SSEA-4 was retained in 15 of 16 seminomas and in 4 of 8 non-seminomas. These results demonstrate an antigenic link between spermatogonia, IGCNU, and testicular GCT. We suggest that SSEA-4 is associated with the histogenesis of testicular GCT.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1097-1104 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Oncology reports |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2003 Sep |
Keywords
- Globo-series glycolipids
- Intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified
- Spermatogonia
- Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4
- Testicular germ-cell tumor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research