A comparison of the number of X-chromatin bodies and of X chromosomes in carcinomas of the cervix uteri.
The number of X-chromatin bodies in interphase cells was compared with the number of X chromosomes in metaphases in nineteen carcinomas of the cervix uteri. This is the first time that such a direct comparison has been made. Nine tumours had a single X-chromatin body, four had two bodies and six were X-chromatin negative. Thus, a total of seventeen X-chromatin bodies was present in these tumours which collectively had forty-seven X chromosomes. Surprisingly, three tumours with near diploid complements were X-chromatin negative although they had two X chromosomes. The findings suggest that duplication of the active X is advantageous during tumour development while the inactive, X-chromatin forming, X chromosome tends to be lost.
Atkin
N B
NB
Department of Cancer Research, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, Great Britain.
Fox
M F
MF
Baker
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D014960:X Chromosome
D002843:Chromatin