Histochemistry of hormonally active ovarian tumors.

Thirty-five ovarian tumors were examined (7 granulosa-cell tumors, 2 thecomas, 4 dysgerminomas, 6 mucinous cystadenomas, 10 serous cystadenomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 3 Krukenberg tumors and 1 early embryonic tumor). The granulosa-cell tumors showed high activity of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and the changed cells of their stroma--that of glucose-6 phosphate and isocitrate dehydrogenases. The activity of the latter enzymes was striking also in thecomas. Dysgerminomas showed high alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase activities. The authors emphasize the role of stromal cells in the hormonal activity of ovarian neoplasms.