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An immunohistochemical study of intracranial germ cell tumours

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Summary

Histologically verified intracranial tumours, mainly germ cell tumours of the pineal and suprasellar regions, were studied immunohistochemically using anti-serum of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), human placental lactogen (HPL), pregnancy specific β-1 glycoprotein (SP-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 and neuron specific enolase (NSE). In germinomas, HCG positive cells were occasionally demonstrated in cells presenting as syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGC), and GFAP and S-100 positive cells were found in the surrounding gliotic lesions. Teratomas were positive for CEA in their epithelial components. Endodermal sinus tumours were positive for AFP, choriocarcinomas for HCG and SP-1, and embryonal carcinomas for AFP, HCG and SP-1. HCG and SP-1 positive cells were demonstrated in STGC. As for the relationship between serum AFP level and tissue localization, many cases presenting a serum AFP level exceeding 220 ng/ml were positive for AFP in tumour tissue.

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Author notes

  1. T. Yamagami

    Present address: Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Medical School, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Medical School, Japan

    H. Handa, J. Yamashita, T. Okumura & J. Paine

  2. Central Clinical Laboratory, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan

    H. Haebara

  3. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Kyoto University, Japan

    F. Furukawa

Authors
  1. T. Yamagami
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  2. H. Handa
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  3. J. Yamashita
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  4. T. Okumura
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  5. J. Paine
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  6. H. Haebara
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  7. F. Furukawa
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Yamagami, T., Handa, H., Yamashita, J. et al. An immunohistochemical study of intracranial germ cell tumours. Acta neurochir 86, 33–41 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01419502

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