XXXX chorionic gonadotrophin immunoactivity in @entity5 .

@entity1 @entity7807 @entity5 @entity2 @entity1504 @entity11 @entity1653 @entity145 @entity977 @entity976
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With regard to @entity5 , elevated hCG in CSF or serum has been considered to be specific for germ-cell @entity5 . Recently however, elevated hCG has also been shown to be present in cyst fluid and CSF of @entity1 with @entity976 . While germ-cell @entity5 are generally non-cystic, the aim of our study was to determine the significance of hCG in @entity1504 . DESIGN: In a prospective study, hCG immunoactivity and subunits of hCG were measured in cyst fluid, CSF, and serum of @entity1 harbouring @entity1504 . @entity1 AND MEASUREMENTS: hCG immunoactivity was measured in cyst fluid and serum samples of 42 @entity1 . CSF samples were available from 12 @entity1 with @entity976 . In order to fully characterize the hCG immunoactivity, we used immunoradiometric assays for total hCG activity (measuring both intact hCG and the free beta-subunit of hCG), and those specific for intact, dimeric hCG (hCG), free beta-subunit of hCG ( @entity7807 ) and free alpha-subunit. Furthermore, immunostaining of @entity5 tissue was performed using monoclonal antibodies directed against the free beta-subunit of hCG. RESULTS: Total hCG immunoactivity was markedly elevated in cyst fluid of all 17 @entity976 (range 36.7-4558 IU/I; normal < 5 IU/I). Moderately elevated levels of hCG in cyst fluid were detected in three of four @entity977 , in two metastases from @entity2 and in two @entity145 . @entity7807 was detected in cyst fluid from all hCG positive cysts, while specific determination of intact (dimer) hCG and alpha-subunit mostly yielded negative results. No hCG immunoactivity was found in @entity11 , @entity1653 or haemangioblastomas. hCG was elevated in CSF of two @entity1 with @entity976 , but no hCG immunoactivity was detected in any serum sample. Subtle immunostaining of epithelial cell groups was shown in five of ten @entity976 . Clear immunostaining for @entity7807 was also found in scattered epithelial cells of one @entity977 . CONCLUSIONS: hCG immunoactivity in @entity1504 is due mainly to @entity7807 . Measurement of hCG immunoactivity in cyst fluid can be helpful in the differential diagnosis of @entity1504 , if surgery is restricted to cyst decompression and no histology is available. High levels suggest a @entity976 .
