TETRANECTIN EXPRESSION IN HUMAN COLONIC NEOPLASIA

The expression of tetranectin in colonic neoplasia was evaluated by de termining the tissue distribution by immunohistological analysis of ti ssue sections and the antigen levels in tissue homogenates and plasma. In normal colonic mucosa tetranectin staining was predominantly found in the goblet cells whereas in adenocarcinomas this staining was conf ined to the tumour stroma. Colonic adenomas, benign precursors of aden ocarcinomas, showed fewer tetranectin positive goblet cells and in som e cases showed tetranectin expression in the stroma. Within the tissue homogenates no differences were found in the tetranectin levels betwe en normal mucosa, adenomas and carcinomas. Patients with colonic cance r were found to have significantly decreased plasma tetranectin levels compared to healthy controls. Thus, colonic neoplasia is associated w ith a change in the tissue distribution of tetranectin, without an obv ious change in the tissue level, and a low plasma tetranectin level.