[The alpha subunits of the GTP-binding proteins, Go and Gi2 in lung cancer]

The alpha subunits of the GTP-binding proteins, Go and Gi2, in sera, tissues, and pleural effusions have been studied, using an enzyme immunoassays system. The Gi alpha concentrations were found increased in the pleural effusions of patients with a small cell lung cancer, as compared to patients with a nonsmall cell lung cancer. Both GTP-binding proteins, however, were not elevated in the sera of patients with a lung cancer. Thus, an evaluation of the amount of Go alpha in the pleural effusion is thought to be a useful tumor marker of small cell lung cancers, elevating the specificity of a combination assay with other markers, NSE or CKBB.