The expression of intermediate filaments and mam-6 antigen in relation to the degree of morphologic differentiation of carcinoma of the head and neck: diagnostic implications.
In this study, the immunoreactivity of several cytokeratin antibodies; 115 D8, a monoclonal antibody against MAM-6, an epithelial membrane antigen; and two vimentin antibodies, is examined in relation to the degree of morphologic differentiation in carcinomas of the head and neck. The results indicate that a relationship exists between the degree of morphologic differentiation and the expression of cytokeratin, MAM-6, and vimentin, as detected by polyclonal antikeratin, 115 D8 and anti-vimentin. Expression of cytokeratin and MAM-6 is reversely related to vimentin. Polyclonal anti-keratin; CAM 5.2, a monoclonal antibody against cytokeratin 8, 18 and 19; and 115 D8, used in combination, were still able to identify the epithelial nature of undifferentiated/spindle cells. Since these immunohistochemical markers precede light microscopic detectable signs of epithelial differentiation, they can be used for the identification of the epithelial nature of undifferentiated/spindle tumors of the head and neck.
Henzen-Logmans
S C
SC
Department of Pathology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Balm
A J
AJ
van der Waal
I
I
Mullink
H
H
Snow
G B
GB
Meyer
C J
CJ
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000276:immunology*; D003893:Desmin / Q000276:immunology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000276:immunology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018396:Mucin-1; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D014746:Vimentin / Q000276:immunology*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D003893:Desmin; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D018396:Mucin-1; D014746:Vimentin; D007633:Keratins