Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical study of touch imprints of malignant Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas [NHL]

ABSTRACT

The present study reports on experience with the application of lymphocyte markers [4KB5, UCHL1 and MAC 387] to lymph node imprints in NHL. The cytologic and immunophenotypic classification of the imprints were compared with those of the corresponding tissue sections. Among the 50 cases studied 43 had a B-cell phenotype, 3 had a T-cell phenotype, while 4 cases defied any staining. Using immunohistochemistry, it was not only possible to identify the phenotype of the cells but to decide whether the lymphoid population was polyclonal or monoclonal as well. Demonstration of monoclonal light chain restriction in B-cell lymphoma made it possible to confirm the neoplastic nature of the imprint. The present work emphasized the value of imprint material as good source of tissue for immunologic study, where immunoreactivity to MoAbs was retained by storage of the imprints at -70C. The advantages of this technique include enhanced cellular detail, clear staining reaction with reduced artefactual distortion in addition to a more rapid methodology: