Immuno histochemical study of epithelial and lymphocytic components of adenolymphoma

ABSTRACT

Eighteen cases of adenolymphoma were investigated using 3 immunhistochemical stains to clarify the histogenesis of adenolymphoma Positive immunoreactive cells could be detected in the epithelial component of the tumour using cytokeratin anti-body, thus supporting the concept of its ductal origin. S-100 protein positive cells in-between the epithelial cells and in between the lymphoid stroma could detected using S-100 protein antibody. The morphologic appearance of these cells was identical to that of Langerhan's cells indicating that delayed hypersensitivity may be a pathogenic factor in the development of adenolymphoma. Also, using monoclonal antibody against T-cell fraction, the T-helper cells was more predominant than T-suppressor indicating that the lymphoid stroma was an activated one within the physiological range of normal lymph node. Mast cells were detected in-between the epithelium and in subepithelial stroma by toluidine blue reaction, which may have a direct proliferative effect on the epithelium