title: Expression of endothelial cell markers PAL-E and EN-4 and Ia-antigens in Kaposi's sarcoma.
abstract: Eleven biopsy specimens of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) removed from the skin and oral mucosa were examined immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies PAL-E and EN-4, specific for human vascular endothelial cells, and with LN-3 monoclonal antibody reactive with immune-associated (Ia) antigens in the HLA-DR locus. The early lesions of KS, corresponding to the patch phase, contained hyperplastic venules and an increased number of lymphatic capillaries. The lymphatic capillary endothelium was reactive with EN-4, whereas, PAL-E reacted only with blood vessel endothelial cells. The spindle cells, like lymphatic endothelial cells, were non-reactive with PAL-E but showed positive reaction with EN-4 antibodies. The observed morphologic pattern of vasculogenesis and the demonstrated immune-reactivity in KS support an origin from the venule-lymphatic junction. This is an aberrant pattern but reminiscent of normal embryonal lymphatic channel development. The lymphatic capillaries and vascular slits were nonreactive with LN-3 antibody, but it was positive on cell membranes in a number of spindle cells, suggesting the focal expression of Ia-antigens.
authors.affiliation: Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nadimi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saatee
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Armin
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Toto
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II