Localization of carcinoembryonic antigen in mesenteric lymph nodes of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Mesenteric lymph nodes obtained at surgery from 36 patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer were studied by immunofluorescence for the presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Granular deposits of CEA in a homogenous mixture with immunoglobulins and complement were detected in the activated germinal centers in 12 lymph nodes from 8 investigated cases. Identification of CEA in germinal centers was confirmed by blocking and absorbtion procedures. Successful elution of immunoglobulins and part of CEA content with a buffer known to dissociate antigen-antibody bonds suggested that these deposits represent CEA immune complexes.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000276:immunology*; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology*; D008643:Mesentery
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D003176:Complement C3; D007074:Immunoglobulin G