SIMULTANEOUS EXPRESSION OF THE RAS P21 AND P53 PROTEINS IN HUMAN ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMAS

The expression of ras-encoded p21 and p53 proteins was analyzed by imm unohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies in 26 paraffin-em bedded specimens (25 endometrial carcinomas and 1 uterine carcinosarco ma) taken from Polish women. The biotin-streptavidin-peroxidase detect ion system was employed. ras p21 protein was expressed in 68% of the s pecimens and p53 positive staining was noted in 36% of the carcinomas. Simultaneous expression of the ras p21 and p53 proteins was demonstra ted in 8 (32%) out of the 25 specimens. Except one case, where the p53 protein was expressed, ras p21 protein was also detected. Both protei ns were demonstrated in the sole case of carcinosarcoma. A difference between the detection of simultaneous expression of the ras p21 and p5 3 proteins in correlation with FIGO stages I to II-IV has been reporte d (22% v. 57% respectively). These data indicate, that ras p21 correla ted with p53 positive staining in one-third of the endometrial cancers analyzed. The simultaneous detection of both proteins correlated with the advanced clinical stage of human endometrial carcinomas.