transforming-growth-factor-alpha and Primate-Diseases

A well-differentiated trabecular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a well-differentiated tumor resembling HCC from each of two chimpanzees were found to have histochemical and immunohistochemical staining characteristics similar to those in human HCCs. Transforming growth factor alpha was overexpressed in both tumors. Oval cells, thought to be liver stem cell progeny with a possible role in hepatocarcinogenesis, were observed among nontumorous hepatocytes, particularly near the tumors. Hepatic tumors are rare in chimpanzees but their similarities to human HCC provides a useful research model.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Differentiation; Cell Nucleus; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Pan troglodytes; Primate Diseases; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53