Epidermal growth factor receptor in human glioma.

Distribution of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in the surgical specimen of the human glioma was studied by immunohistochemical techniques using a monoclonal anti-EGF receptor antibody. Of 11 gliomas examined, EGF receptors were detected in nine glioblastomas and in one fibrillary astrocytoma. In the majority of cells, staining was observed over the cell membrane. Nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was also seen. In four glioblastomas, EGF receptor-positive cells were diffusely distributed in the tumor tissue. In one glioblastoma and one fibrillary astrocytoma, only a few positive cells were observed. These results imply the possible role of EGF receptors in the cellular proliferation of the human glioma.