Alpha-fetoprotein in serum and tumor tissues in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were measured before and after surgical removal of tumor masses in four dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Localization of AFP was also examined immunohistochemically in tumor tissues. In three cases, the serum AFP concentration was 10 to 20 times higher than that of normal dogs. One to two months after surgery, the serum AFP concentration had decreased to normal range. AFP was localized in the tumor tissues in these three cases. One case, which had a low serum AFP, did not show AFP localization in tumor tissue.