HSV 2-associated antigens in human cervical tissues before and after grafting in nude mice

Biopsy material from human invasive cervical carcinoma, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and normal uterine cervix was transplanted into nude mice, some of which were then injected with estrogen or progesterone during a follow-up of 1-4 weeks. The cervical cells were analysed prior to and after passage in nude mice by the anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF) assay for the presence of herpes virus associated antigens. Such antigens were found in a few cells in three out of seven transplanted cervical cancers prior to the grafting and in one out of 3 cases with normal tissue. After the grafting period HSV-related antigen was found in 6 out of 7 cases of cervical cancer in grafting material from estrogen-stimulated mice. Without hormonal stimulation, 5 out of 7 showed a positive reaction. Hence the expression of the HSV-related antigen seemed enhanced after grafting in nude mice.