The expression and distribution of integrin subunits alpha 2 and alpha 3 and two of their putative ligands, type IV collagen and laminin, were examined by immunohistochemistry in specimens from 33 consecutive patients operated on for colorectal adenocarcinomas. Both tumour cells and normal epithelium expressed the alpha 2 and alpha 3 subunits. Two typical patterns of expression could be discerned; a basolateral expression and a diffuse cytoplasmic expression. The stained tumour specimens were assessed according to (i) distribution of integrin expression (diffusely cytoplasmic or basolateral), (ii) continuity in basolateral integrin expression, and (iii) interconnection of integrin expression and expression of type IV collagen and laminin. These parameters were then related to tumour differentiation, tumour stage according to Dukes' classification, DNA-ploidy and patient survival (median observation time was 30 months; range 24-35). The continuity in the basolateral expression of alpha 3 but not of alpha 2, correlated with the basal membrane expression of type IV collagen (P < 0.001). Loss of continuity in the basolateral expression of both integrins was significantly related to impaired tumour differentiation (alpha 2 P = 0.02; alpha 3 P = 0.01), more advanced Dukes' stage (alpha 2 = 0.07, alpha 3 P < 0.001), survival rate (both integrins P < 0.05), but not to DNA-ploidy. These data suggest that determination of the pattern of expression of the integrin subunits alpha 2 and alpha 3 in the preoperative biopsy and the surgical specimen could be used as a prognostic indicator.