The c-erbB3 protein is a member of the type 1 tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor family. We report on the production and characterisation of a monoclonal antibody, RTJ2, raised against a synthetic peptide from the cytoplasmic domain of the molecule. The antibody is specific for c-erbB3 protein as determined by Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry. Using this monoclonal antibody we have evaluated the prevalence of expression of the c-erbB3 protein in 72 squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix. 17 of the 72 (23.6%) tumours were found to overexpress c-erbB3 protein relative to the levels seen in the normal epithelium. Overexpression was not correlated with stage, grade or histologic subtype of the tumours. The high incidence of c-erbB3 overexpression relative to the normal tissue suggests a possible role for c-erbB3 in the oncogenesis of cervical epithelium.

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