[Immunohistochemical study in astrocytoma].

Seventy-four cases of human astrocytoma were studied with ABC method for GFAP and vimentin. Data indicated that all of the specimens in this series contained two different intermediate filament proteins: GFAP and vimentin. There was a negative correlation between the degree of anaplasia and the number of GFAP-positive cells, but no definite relationship was seen between the degree of anaplasia and the number of vimentin-positive cells. The ratio of V/G might be considered useful in expressing the histological differentiation of astrocytoma. Generally, two immunostainings are used in demonstrating GFAP and vimentin: one for intense perikaryo-staining and the other for cell processes. Both staining patterns are closely related to the histological type but not to the histological grade. Besides, there was a negative correlation between the cell density and the number of GFAP-positive cells.