Demonstration of biogenic amines and adrenergic innervation in uveal malignant melanomas by the histoflurometric method.

Clinical and histologic studies were performed on 25 patients with malignant melanomas of the ciliary body and choroid. Portions of fresh tumor were quick frozen and processed by the histofluorometric technique to demonstrate the presence of biogenic amines. Separate portions of each tumor were fixed and processed for routine light microscopy. Specific fluorescence was visible in 21 of 23 pigmented neoplasms. Catecholamine-induced fluorescence of biogenic amines was related to tumor cell type. In two amelanotic tumors no specific fluorescence was seen.