[Distribution of cytoplasmic ferroproteins and iron in human kidney tumors]

Using immuno- and histochemical techniques, it has been shown that the primary tumoural node in kidney cancer is a locus with an extraordinarily high concentration of cytoplasmic ferroproteins and ferrum (Fe3+). Fe3+ is located in the cytoplasm of nephrothelium of tumour-affected kidney tubules, intensively incrustates the cell cytoplasm in the primary tumoural node and is revealed in separate nuclei of the primary node cells. Possible consequences of high local ferrum concentration in cells is discussed. It is suggested that ferroprotein accumulations and the peculiarities of their distribution in kidney tumours result from the disturbances in ferrum metabolism that antecede the onset of kidney tumours.