[Thermostable placental-type alkaline phosphatase in the malignantly degenerated endometrium]

A comparative immunochemical study established that heat-stable placental alkaline phosphatase (HPAP) is contained only in malignant epithelium and is not present in the tissues of fetal and definitive uterus. The heterogeneity of HPAP was shown by means of electrophoresis. There is a direct correlation between HPAP level and the degree of tumor differentiation. Immunohistochemical and histochemical studies showed that HPAP occurs in areas of tumor where glandular structure is most pronounced. HPAP secretion in endometrial mucus was observed. An immunochemical test for HPAP is suggested which may be used in evaluating the degree of tumor differentiation and selecting a suitable scheme of treatment. Immunochemical assay of endometrial mucus for HPAP may offer good advantage in mass screenings of females at risk.