Abstract
The ABO(H) and Y antigen status of epithelial cells from 45 breast carcinomas, 14 benign breast lesions and 7 normal breasts have been assessed using an indirect immunoperoxidase histochemical assay and a series of blood group specific monoclonal antibodies. All 20 A, AB and B group tumours had lost the A and B isoantigens, 13 of these tumours were however found to express H and Y antigens. Of 25 group O tumours 17 expressed the expected H and Y antigens. These findings were not dependent on the histological nature or the invasive characteristics of the tumour. Similar results were obtained when 28 metastases from breast carcinomas were examined, the H and Y antigens being identified in the tumour elements in 24 lymph nodes while we failed to identify either the A or B antigens. The development of breast malignancy appeared therefore to correlate best with the deletion of A and B glycosyl transferases. Normal breast tissue consistently expressed the expected blood group isoantigens. Areas of benign breast disease showed a more varied pattern of antigen expression. Seven of 14 lesions lacked ABH antigens, the loss of blood group structures could not however be correlated with any specific histological features and was not limited to the loss of A and B substances.
Highlights
We have simultaneously reported work that suggests that the deletion of ABO(H) blood group isoantigens (BGIs) that has been previously described within prostatic epithelium following malignant transformation is largely limited to a deletion of the A and B
Figure la shows the pattern of staining observed in an area of normal breast tissue taken from a breast containing an invasive scirrhous carcinoma
The picture of antigen expression varies from lobule to lobule and within lobules where ductules and acini containing BGIs were found adjacent to antigen deficient structures
Summary
As in our previous study formalin-fixed paraffinembedded specimens were obtained from the Pathology Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. Where possible material was selected to include both normal and abnormal epithelium from the same subject. In all specimens were examined, 14 from specimens showing benign breast disease and 45 from biopsies or mastectomy specimens showing varying degrees of invasive and in situ malignancy. Lymph node metastases were available for examination from 22 of the 39 invasive carcinomas, multiple nodes containing metastases being available in 15 of the () The Macmillan Press Ltd., 1986. A further 6 lymph nodes were examined from late axillary node metastases occurring a variable number of years following mastectomy, all these patients had received radiotherapy
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