Occurrence of γ-trace in the calcitonin-producing C-cells of simian thyroid gland and human medullary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

γ-trace, a microprotein occurring in neuroendocrine cells, was demonstrated by immunohistochemical technique to be present in the calcitonin-producing C-cells of normal simian thyroid gland and of human medullary thyroid carcinoma. A comparatively high concentration of γ-trace was demonstrated in tissue extract of neoplastic C-cells. The immunoreactive protein found in the extract had a molecular weight and electrophoretic mobility characteristic for γ-trace.