Comparison of alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in hepatocellular carcinoma: an immunoperoxidase study.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) has been shown to be a useful tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and some other neoplasms. No studies of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (A1AChy) in HCC have been reported. A comparative study of A1AT and A1AChy in HCC was undertaken. While 19/33 HCC were positive for A1AT, all 33 HCC contained immunoreactive A1AChy. Cells showing positive immunoreaction for both A1AT and A1AChy were more numerous in moderately differentiated HCC than in well differentiated or poorly differentiated HCC. Although the pattern of staining with both antisera was similar, in cases showing positive staining for both antisera, A1AChy-positive cells were more numerous than A1AT-positive cells. The results suggest a useful role for A1AChy as a marker of HCC.