[Pathogenesis of an increased level of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood in various diseases].

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was detected in an indirect Coons test in cells of different organs i. e. stomach, esophagus, small intestine, bronchi, trachea, mucosal bronchial glands. By double diffusion in gel CEA has also been found in gastric, bronchial and vaginal mucus. The author considers CEA to be a component of mucus-producing cells. The increased CEA concentration in the blood of tumor patients is due to its secretion by tumor cells and its reverse absorption as well as excretion and destruction. The increased CEA level in the blood of patients with non-tumor pathology is related with increased excretion and destruction of CEA-producing cells.