Copper histochemistry of 5 murine tumors and their respective metastases

Tissue copper content has been evaluated in 4 murine mammary adenocarcinomas, 1 murine lung adenocarcinoma and their respective metastases. Histochemical techniques have been used to analyze copper distribution in tumor tissues. It is observed that the degree of copper staining is inversely related to tumor differentiation. As the copper level reflects one of the metabolic changes in the host carrying the tumor, it is suggested that it could be used as a good marker for tumor differentiation.