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Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region proteins (Ag-NORs) in human brain tumors: relations with grade of malignany and proliferation indices

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Summary

Proliferation indices and mean number of silver-stained nucleolar organizer region-associated proteins (Ag-NORs) are compared in 65 brain tumors, including 34 gliomas, 8 meningiomas, 17 metastatic tumors, and 6 other tumors. Immunocytochemical investigations include labeling with the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 which identifies the whole growth fraction, and with a monoclonal antibody against bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) which detects cells in the S phase of the cell cycle after in vitro incubation with BrdUrd. When all types of tumors are collectively considered, mean numbers of Ag-NORs did not correlate with Ki-67 and Brd-Urd labeling indices (LIs) and mitotic index. Among tumor subtypes, only meningiomas showed significant correlations between Ag-NOR counts, LIs, and malignancy. Mean number of Ag-NORs did not correlate with proliferation indices and tumor grade in low-grade and high-grade gliomas. However, recurrent high-grade gliomas showed a tendency to higher Ag-NOR counts than primary tumors. This study indicates that counting of Ag-NORs in paraffin sections is of limited value in tumor neuropathology. Correlations found in meningeal tumors should be substantiated in larger series.

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Author notes

  1. T. Morimura

    Present address: Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pathologisches Institut, Universität Innsbruck, Austria

    H. Maier & C. Hallbrucker

  2. Abteilung für Chirurgie I, Universität Innsbruck, Austria

    D. Öfner

  3. Neurologisches Institut, Universität Wien, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090, Wien, Austria

    H. Maier, T. Morimura & H. Budka

  4. Neurochirurgische Klinik, Universität Wien, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090, Wien, Astria

    K. Kitz

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  1. H. Maier
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  4. C. Hallbrucker
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Maier, H., Morimura, T., Öfner, D. et al. Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region proteins (Ag-NORs) in human brain tumors: relations with grade of malignany and proliferation indices. Acta Neuropathol 80, 156–162 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00308919

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00308919

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