[Cellular localization of human secretory beta globulin in normal and tumor tissues]

Distribution of secretory beta-globulin (S beta G) which possesses affinity for steroids was investigated immunohistochemically. Tissue specificity of S beta G, produced in adult secretory epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles, salivary glands, prostate, bronchi and mammary gland was discovered. The protein was not detected in fetal and embryonal tissues. S beta G synthesis is abnormal in neoplasms: its expression partly preserves in breast cancer cells and increases in epithelium of mammary ducts near the focus of malignancy. In lung cancer and bronchial glands cells near the focus of neoplastic transformation S beta G positive reaction was not observed.