Lectin binding patterns in normal cyclic endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Endometrial samples including 5 proliferative, 5 late secretory, 5 hyperplasia [3 cystic glandular and 2 adenomatous], 5 carcinomas, and 2 true deciduas were analyzed by light microscopy for pattern and distribution of lectin glycoprotein binding. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were tested with biotinylated concanavlin A [Con A], wheat germ agglutinin [WGA] and peanut agglutinin [PNA] employing the Avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. Proliferative glands predominantly bound lectins at luminal borders, while secretory ones had positive luminal secretion binding. Endometrial carcinoma epithelial cells bound lectins at luminal borders and at cell periphery. Cystically hyperplastic glands resembled proliferative binding while adenomatous hyperplasias gave additional patchy peripheral cell binding; disclosing their premalignant potential. This work recommended the use of this simple technique to evaluate the various morphologic endometrial patterns and relates them to functional disturbances