ASSESSMENT OF FIBROMYXOMA CELL-PROLIFERATION IN A TENCH (TINCA-TINCA L) BY THE SILVER STAINING NUCLEOLAR ORGANIZER REGION (AGNOR) TECHNIQUE

A previously described fibromyxoma in a tench was examined for AS NOR proteins and mitotic index to evaluate the cell proliferation of the d ifferent tissue areas forming the tumorous mass. The different areas w ere: myxoid (myxoid cells in a mucous ground substance with few reticu lar fibres), collagenous (fibroblast-like cells and collagenous fibres ) and mixed areas (intermediate cytological and histological features) . A significant (P <0.01) difference in cell proliferative activity be tween the three different areas was found by the AgNOR technique and c onfirmed by the mitotic index. The areas appealed to be the true proli ferative compartment of the whereas the collagenous areas probably pla yed a structural role, related to low cellular proliferative activity. The AgNOR technique appeared to be a convenient method for the rapid evaluation of cell proliferation in fish tissues. (C) 1997 W.B. Saunde rs Company Limited.