Usefulness of AgNOR technique and CEA expression in atypical metaplastic cells from cervical smears.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the proliferating capacity of atypical metaplastic cells in cervical smears by AgNOR technique and image analysis and investigate the probable relation with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) using immunocytochemical assay for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).


METHODS
Eight cervical smears were stained with Papanicolaou stain for diagnosis of atypical metaplastic cells. After removal of the stain the smears were processed with a silver colloidal solution and the AgNOR area determined by image cytometry. Differences in the mean AgNOR protein area between reactive metaplastic cells and controls were tested by Student's t test. The CEA was investigated by immunocytochemical staining in smears with atypical metaplastic cells and smears from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).


RESULTS
The mean AgNOR areas from atypical metaplastic cells (4.55, 6.66, 4.68, 5.30, 4.97, 6.20, 6.28, and 7.35) were significantly greater those that of intermediate metaplastic cells and cells from low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (0.77, 0.99, and 0.82, respectively). The atypical metaplastic cells showed values of mean AgNOR area intermediate between that of basal cells (3.28) and HSIL cells (7.73) or neoplastic cells (16.12). The CEA was strongly expressed by the atypical metaplastic cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of CEA in the atypical metaplastic cells underlies the probable relation to SIL. Although the organizer region areas raised high values, it would be necessary to use a greater number of cases to define whether the AgNOR area is indicative of the proliferative activity of the atypical metaplastic cells.
Rocher
Adriana Esther
AE
Cytology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. adrianarocher@yahoo.com.ar
Gonzalez
Analía
A
Palaoro
Luis Alberto
LA
Blanco
Ana María
AM
D001706:Biopsy; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000473:pathology; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D016622:Silver Staining / Q000379:methods; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen