title: Immunohistochemical analysis of progressively transformed follicular centers.
abstract: Using an in situ immunohistochemical technic and a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed to lymphocytes, dendritic reticulum cells, HLA-DR antigen and killer/natural killer cells, the cellular composition of progressively transformed follicular centers (PTFCs) was analyzed. PTFCs are large lymphoid aggregates, composed of BA1+B1+sIgM+sIgD+ small B-lymphocytes, admixed with randomly arranged OKT4+Leu-3a+ helper/inducer T-cells and Leu-7+ cells. Small islands of B1+BA1-sIgD- follicular center cells are present in the central part of PTFCs, but fail to form a true follicular center. DRC1+ dendritic reticulum cells are arranged abnormally, forming small, separate clusters or a loosely arranged network lacking the typical concentric pattern. Moreover, dendritic reticulum cells have less extensively developed cytoplasmic extensions and are devoid of surface-bound immunoglobulins. Based on these findings, it is suggested that blastic transformation of B-cells in PTFCs is incomplete. The occurrence of PTFCs among numerous well-formed, secondary lymphoid follicles, and their exclusive association with exaggerated follicle formation speaks against an intrinsic inability of dendritic reticulum cells to bind antigen-antibody complexes, but rather suggests that PTFCs represent early, transient stages in the transformation of primary into secondary lymphoid follicles.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: van den Oord
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Wolf-Peeters
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Desmet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004407:Dysgerminoma / Q000473:pathology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000166:cytology; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II