Abstract
Purpose: E- and P-selectins, expressed on vascular endothelium, and their sialyl-Lewisx (sLex)- and/or sialyl-Lewisa (sLea)-containing ligands have a crucial role in extravasation and metastasis of circulating cells. We wanted to analyse the role of selectins and their ligands in head and neck tumours. Methods: A total of 40 consecutive biopsy specimens were collected from surgery performed at the Helsinki University Central Hospital between September 1995 and November 1996. The series of specimens contained both benign and malignant head and neck tumours of epithelial, lymphoid or mesenchymal origin. All these were analysed with immunohistochemistry for epithelial and endothelial expression of sLex and sLea glycans and E- and P-selectins. Results: Epithelial expression of sLex and sLea glycans was higher in benign than in malignant lesions in both epithelial and lymphoid tumours. On the other hand, endothelial expression of sLex, sLea, E- and P-selectin was lower in benign than in malignant lesions in both epithelial and lymphoid tumours. Conclusions: These data suggest that altered epithelial and endothelial expression of sLex and sLea glycans acting on selectin ligands is linked to the development of head and neck tumours.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 9 February 1999 / Accepted: 5 May 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Renkonen, J., Mäkitie, A., Paavonen, T. et al. Sialyl-Lewisx/a-decorated selectin ligands in head and neck tumours. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 125, 569–576 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004320050318
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004320050318