[Correlation between estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR) and human keratin protein (hKP) in endometrial carcinoma].

We extracted hKP by Sun and Green's method and injected it into a rabbit to raise antibody. hKP was demonstrated in 14/18 well differentiated EC by Sternberger's Pap method. In 2/4 hKP (+) cases, the carcinoma cells invaded. If hKP was present, undifferentiated EC (5/5) and clear cell carcinoma (2/2) all invaded. Among ER (+) PR (+) cases, hKP was demonstrated in 6/10; 4 of these invaded. Both ER (+) PR (-) (1/1) and ER (-) PR (-) (6/6) cases revealed invasion with hKP. In the foci of squamous arrangements and at the top of the invading carcinoma cells, hKP was strongly demonstrated. These results suggest that hKP endows the cells with "stiffness" and that this protein is closely associated with cancer invasive growth, no less than are ER, PR or/and microscopical architecture.