[Modulation of hCG synthesis by alpha tumor necrosis factor in JAR choriocarcinoma cells].

The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) stimulates in cultured JAR choriocarcinoma cells the biosynthesis of hCG, including the free alpha and beta chain and the holo-hCG. Although elevated serum TNF levels have been shown by Balkwill et al. (1987) in about 50% of tumour patients, we were unable to confirm these data in the 10 examined patients, who had a choriocarcinoma. Despite its excellent in-vitro action, INF could not be confirmed to exercise an influence on the regulation of hCG in choriocarcinoma patients.