COLOCALIZATION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR-II AND THE PROLIFERATIONMARKER MIB1 IN HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA CELLS

Aim-To assess the effect of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) on proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods-Express ion of IGF-II mRNA and protein was detected in 10 archival HCC specime ns using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Expression of the Ki-67 antigen, a proliferation marker, was determin ed immunohistochemically on the same sections. Results-Increased expre ssion of IGF-II mRNA and protein was detected in five of the 10 HCCs i n cells located at the periphery of tumour nests. The pattern of local isation of IGF-II was almost identical with that of Ki-67 antigen. Con clusions-Most of the Ki-67 antigen positive cells co-expressed IGF-II, suggesting that IGF-II may act as an autocrine or paracrine growth fa ctor, and may play an important role in the development of HCC.