Foetal Pancreas Antigens as Possible Markers of Precancerous Stage in Bop Induced Pancreatic Carcinoma

Abstract The reexpression of hamster foetal pancreatic antigens (HFPA) induced with BOP (n-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl)amine) was studied by the indirect immuno-fluorescence technique. The rabbit antiserum used was specific for foetal acinus associated antigens. These antigens are reexpressed (at least in part) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Seven weeks after BOP administration, some animals already displayed positive stainig for HFPA in some acinar cells. After this time and along the treatment, those antigens were detected in a)phenotypically altered acini, 2) irregular hyperplastic ducts and c) adenocarcinomas. They were not found in a)normal structures including acinar cells, ducts and islands of Langerhans b)benign lesions such as cystadenoma or regular hyperplasia.