Objective :To observe distribution on the ultrastructure of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in hepatocellular carcinomea (Hcc) and non - cancerous liver. To make clear the effect of AR and ER in the course that cause cancer in Hcc. Methods: Using the method of immunogold staining androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in 13 cases of hepatocellular carcinomas (Hcc) and 5 cases of noncancerous liver and observing with transmission electron microscope. Results-.Gold granules were mainly distributed over the double - layered membranes of mitochondria

memebranes of rough endoplasmic reticulum and some smooth endoplasmic reticulum

bound and free ribosomes

nuclear membranes and perinuclear cristerna and heterochro- matin and euchromatin

etc. The statistics indicate that the number of gold granules in cancer cells is greater than that in non- cancerous liver cells (P<0.05). In plasma and nucleus of cancer cells

the gold granules of AR is more than those of ER( P < 0.05 )

while no difference exists between plasma and mucleus of non- cancerous liv- er (P >0.05). Conclusion-. It indicates that Hcc is a kind of androgen - depenedent tumor

providing the theo- retical basis for anti - androgen therapy.