title: Usefulness of estrogen receptor detection using archival Papanicolaou-stained smears.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine estrogen receptor (ER) detection using cytologic specimens and to compare the results with those obtained by the dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) method and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Immunocytochemical staining was conducted on 60 cases of breast cancer resected at our hospital between April 1993 and November 1997 in which ER had been measured by DCC or EIA. Specimens for immunocytochemical staining were prepared by a cell transfer method using archival Papanicolaou-stained imprint smears, and ER staining was performed by the labeled streptavidin method using an anti-ER monoclonal antibody. These results were compared with those obtained by DCC or EIA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In immunocytochemical staining for ER, positive staining was observed in the nuclei of tumor cells. A good correlation was obtained between the immunocytochemical staining results and biochemical results. Five cases were positive in anti-ER staining but negative in biochemical tests, and two cases were negative in anti-ER staining and positive in biochemical tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Unlike biochemical assays, the immunocytochemical method does not necessitate use of fresh frozen materials and can be performed even using archival Papanicolaou-stained smears. Immunocytochemical study is a highly useful method for routine ER determination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koyatsu
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kina
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okazaki
mesh_terms: D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000473:pathology; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen