Steroids and neuroendocrine hormones detected by the immunoperoxidase technique from malignant melanomas and nevi of the choroid and conjunctiva.

By the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, the authors studied 7 malignant choroidal melanomas, 7 conjunctival nevi and 1 malignant conjunctival melanoma with the aim to detect the presence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), gastrin, estradiol and testosterone. Positive staining reaction for VIP, estradiol and testosterone was observed in both malignant melanomas of the choroid and conjunctival nevi. The case of conjunctival melanoma was positive for VIP and ACTH but not for estradiol and gastrin.