Antigenic deletion in cervical neoplasia

Abstract

Using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique, specific antigen charges have been followed in pre-invasive and invasive cervical carcinoma. Two specific antigenic components of squamous epithelium have been studied, an intercellular surface antigen and a basement membrane antigen. In histologically normal epithelium, intercellular and basement membrane antigens can be shown. Inflammatory conditions, age, pregnancy and cyclic activity do not affect antigenic status. Both intercellular and basement membrane antigens are deleted in frank invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, but in pre-invasive lesions antigen deletion occurs to a varying extent and is proportional to the increasing severity of the pre-invasive lesions. Using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique, specific antigen charges have been followed in pre-invasive and invasive cervical carcinoma. Two specific antigenic components of squamous epithelium have been studied, an intercellular surface antigen and a basement membrane antigen. In histologically normal epithelium, intercellular and basement membrane antigens can be shown. Inflammatory conditions, age, pregnancy and cyclic activity do not affect antigenic status. Both intercellular and basement membrane antigens are deleted in frank invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, but in pre-invasive lesions antigen deletion occurs to a varying extent and is proportional to the increasing severity of the pre-invasive lesions.