[Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region associated proteins in adenomas with varying colonic dysplasia and adenocarcinoma].

Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region associated (Ag-NOR) proteins were studied in rectosigmoid epithelial tumors for diagnostic purposes. Silver nitrate staining was carried out in accordance with the standardized protocol. The quantity, area, area index of Ag-NOR proteins were automatically determined by computer image analysis. There were statistically significant differences in the quantity, area, area index of Ag-NOR proteins between the groups: the mucosa (lower 2/3 crypts), mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia of adenoma. Only the estimation of the area index of Ag-NOR proteins indicated statistically significant differences between severe dysplasia and highly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Colonic adenomas showed a correlation of the activity of Ag-NOR proteins with epithelial dysplasia, but no correlation with the size and histological type of their structure.