Human alpha fetoprotein in body fluids.

Human alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has been detected by the agar double diffusion method in ascitic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bile, from fetuses, neonates and patients with AFP seropositive hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP was detected in the meconium and faeces of fetuses and neonates respectively. The protein was not detected in the amniotic fluid nor the pericardial fluid. It was found in the urine in only two fetuses that had concomittant renal disease. It was not detected in breast milk of lactating females. When metastases occurred in the lung from a hepatocellular carcinoma producing AFP, the pleural effusions sometimes contained AFP. The concentrations of AFP in the serum and in the other body fluids were about the same. This indicates that other body fluids can be used for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.