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Type-1 chain histo-blood group antigens (Lea, monosialosyl-Lea, disialosyl-Lea, Leb, and H) in normal and malignant human endometrium

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Abstract

Type-1 chain histo-blood group antigens such as the Lewis (Le)a, monosialosyl-Lea, Leb and H antigens show an increased expression in endometrial carcinomas. However, the possibility that these antigens are expressed under genetic or hormonal influence in endometrial carcinomas has not been considered. In the present study, the expression of type-1 chain carbohydrate antigens in normal and malignant endometrium was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and related to both genetic and hormonal factors. The glands of normal, non-secretory endometria expressed, in contrast with surface epithelial cells, Lea, Leb, disialosyl-Lea, and H determinants infrequently. Adenomatous hyperplasias and endometrial carcinomas showed an increased expression of type-1 chain carbohydrates that was qualitatively influenced by the erythrocyte Lewis phenotype and the secretor status. Whereas Lea+b− non-secretors mainly accumulated Lea antigen, and only limited amounts of Leb antigen, Lea−b+ secretors expressed H, Leb and Lea antigens. The expression of type-1 chain antigens showed no association with the serum-oestrogen level or to the hormone-receptor status. Thus the Lewis secretor status has a qualitative influence on the increased expression of type-1 chain antigens, which, however, seem to be unrelated to hormonal factors. Our findings suggest an increased activity of the Se-gene-defined or a closely related fucosyl-transferase in neoplastic endometrial epithelial cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, 9 Blegdamsvej, DK-2100 Ø, Denmark

    V. Ravn

  2. Department of Oral Diagnostics, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

    U. Mandel & E. Dabelsteen

  3. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Statens Seruminstitute, Copenhagen, Denmark

    B. Svenstrup

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  2. U. Mandel
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  3. E. Dabelsteen
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  4. B. Svenstrup
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Ravn, V., Mandel, U., Dabelsteen, E. et al. Type-1 chain histo-blood group antigens (Lea, monosialosyl-Lea, disialosyl-Lea, Leb, and H) in normal and malignant human endometrium. Vichows Archiv A Pathol Anat 424, 495–502 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00191435

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00191435

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