A study of gastrointestinal cancer-associated antigen (GICA) in human fetal organs

The gastrointestinal cancer-associated antigen (GICA) characterized by 1116 NS 19-9 monoclonal antibody was studied in human fetal organs by immunohistology and immunofixation on nitrocellulose sheets. It was found in all the gastrointestinal tracts of fetuses and newborns. Other fetal organs, except biliary and pancreatic ducts, were negative. Immunohistological data and enzymatic studies led us to conclude that GICA is predominantly a mucin-type glycoprotein in fetal organs.