IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION STUDIES OF ALPHA(2)-MACROGLOBULIN RECEPTOR AND RECEPTOR-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN IN HUMAN PROSTATE CARCINOMA

We have utilized in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry techniq ues to examine the expression of both alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2) -MR) and the 39 kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP) in 8 benign (BPH ) and 34 malignant human prostate tissues, including 4 metastases. The levels of alpha(2)-MR mRNA expression (but not RAP) increased signifi cantly in high Gleason score carcinomas (>8) and in metastatic lesions , suggesting that alpha(2)-MR expression is associated with advanced c ancer. Semi-quantitative analysis with computer-assisted system analys is (CASA) confirmed this interpretation. This is the first report of a lpha(2)-MR expression being associated with advanced prostate cancer. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.