[Organ-specific human prostate beta-globulin during tumor growth]

An organ specific protein antigen having an electrophoretic mobility of beta-globulin was demonstrated in human prostate. Its physicochemical properties (relative electrophoretic mobility, diffusion coefficient, molecular weight and relation to different precipitating agents) were determined. The indirect immunofluorescence technique revealed that this antigen is synthesized by the glandular epithelium of the main glands. A statistically significant decrease was found in the concentration of prostatic beta-globulin in tumors of the prostate. The synthesis of this protein was shown to start only in the period of puberty.