The comparison of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of histology, immunohistochemical parameters (PSA, PSP), and silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) was estimated in paraffin sections taken of 63 prostatic carcinomas prior to therapy. AgNORs were visualized with a one-step silver staining technique with the appropiate staining time determined by preliminary staining-time series. The mean AgNOR number per cell (n) and the mean AgNOR area per silver-stained dot (A) were determined by means of an automatic image analysis system. Thereby prostatic carcinomas exhibited multiple small AgNORs within their nuclei (n = 4.7, A = 0.09 µm2), whereas benign prostatic epithelium showed few but large silver-stained particles (n = 1.8, A = 0.27 µm2; p < 0.001). This relationship was then calculated as a quotient of AgNOR number and area (NQ = n/A) which provided additional information for the diagnosis of malignancy as well as survival. Univariate survival analysis disclosed a set of four variables predicting death from prostatic cancer: cribriform growth pattern, AgNOR quotient, histological grade, and PSA immunoreactivity. Of these parameters, immunoreactivity of PSA failed to prove its prognostic significance in multivariate survival analysis (Cox model). No relation to prognosis was found for the number as well as the area of AgNORs alone. Therefore, image analysis proved to be a prerequisit for the feasibility of this promising technique by providing objective and reproducible results.

Keywords:
Nucleolar organizer regions, Silver stain method, Prostatic carcinoma, prognosis of, Automated image analysis
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1991 S. Karger AG, Basel
1991
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.