HLA class I antigens are expressed by Sertoli cells of intratubular germ cell neoplasia.
Five frozen samples from seminomas and one from a combined seminoma/embryonal carcinoma and surrounding tissue were examined for the presence of HLA class I molecules using an antibody directed against a monomorphic epitope of the 45 kDa long chain of HLA-A, -B and -C molecules. Only tubules with intratubular germ cell neoplasia stained positively, while normal seminiferous tubules and invasive tumor cells stained negatively. The immunohistology with anti-HLA class I antibody was compared to that with anti-beta 2-microglobulin antibody which reacts with the light nonpolymorphic chain of all HLA class I molecules. Immunohistology with these two antibodies was indistinguishable. This result combined with immunohistology using anti-PLAP indicates that the stained cells are Sertoli cells. The results are discussed in relation to lymphocytic infiltration and immune surveillance of seminomas.
Braendstrup
O
O
Department of Pathology, Glostrup Hospital.
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D018236:Carcinoma, Embryonal / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000276:immunology*; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000276:immunology; D018239:Seminoma / Q000276:immunology*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase