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A struma ovarii with increased serum basement membrane components: a case report
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Endocrine Journal
|October 19, 2000
Summary
Struma ovarii, a rare ovarian tumor, can cause hyperthyroidism. This study found the tumor produces type IV collagen and laminin, basement membrane components, which decreased after tumor removal.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Struma ovarii is a rare germ cell tumor composed of mature thyroid tissue.
- Hyperthyroidism can occur in struma ovarii due to excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Basement membranes are crucial extracellular matrix structures.
Observation:
- A case of struma ovarii presenting with hyperthyroidism was investigated.
- Serum concentrations of type IV collagen and laminin were significantly elevated.
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong staining for type IV collagen and laminin within the tumor's follicular walls.
Findings:
- Struma ovarii actively produces and secretes type IV collagen and laminin.
- Radioimmunoassays (RIAs) demonstrated high circulating levels of these basement membrane components before tumor resection.
- Postoperative levels of type IV collagen and laminin rapidly decreased, correlating with tumor removal.
Implications:
- This suggests struma ovarii is a significant source of circulating type IV collagen and laminin.
- Elevated thyroid hormone levels may influence basement membrane turnover in various tissues.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical significance of these findings in struma ovarii and hyperthyroidism.