Alpha-folate receptor expression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and non-neoplastic ovarian tissue.
BACKGROUND
The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern and intracellular localization of alpha-folate receptor (alpha-FR) protein in human ovarian carcinoma compared with non-neoplastic ovarian tissue.


METHODS
Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), alpha-FR protein expression was analyzed in specimens of 104 human ovarian carcinomas and 30 non-neoplastic ovaries.


RESULTS
In 97% of the ovarian carcinomas, clear alpha-FR protein expression was detected (14% weak, 39% moderate, 44% strong). In the non-neoplastic ovaries, no (37%) or only weak (63%) expression was observed (p<0.0001). The tumor cells were characterized by a diffuse and homogeneous staining pattern. In tumor and non-tumor tissue, alpha-FR protein was detected predominantly in the cellular cytoplasm. In 41% of the ovarian carcinomas, cytoplasmic expression was localized towards the outer boarders of the invasive tumor cells and 30% exhibited additional nuclear alpha-FR protein expression.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with nonneoplastic ovaries, alpha-FR protein is overexpressed in human ovarian carcinoma tissue.
Markert
Susanne
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany.
Lassmann
Silke
S
Gabriel
Boris
B
Klar
Maximilian
M
Werner
Martin
M
Gitsch
Gerald
G
Kratz
Felix
F
Hasenburg
Annette
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D058973:Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D058973:Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D005492:Folic Acid