Distribution of mucosubstances in adenoid cystic carcinoma

Summary

The distribution of mucosubstances in adenoid cystic carcinoma was investigated, and an attempt was made to characterize histochemically the various mucosubstances present. For these purposes the high iron diamine technique (HID), as well as the Astra blue, aldehyde fuchsin and Alcian blue staining methods were employed. Alcian blue was further combined with the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) technique, the Alcian blue being applied at pH levels between 0.5 and 2.5. In addition the effects of neuraminidase and hyaluronidase treatment as well as methylation and acid hydrolysis procedures on the staining qualities were studied.

Acidic mucosubstances with varying histochemical properties were present in different structures of the neoplasm. The characteristic pseudocyst, a major structural component of the neoplasm, stained strongly with HID, Astra blue, aldehyde fuchsin and Alcian blue at low pH. These staining reactions were markedly suppressed by hyaluronidase treatment, and are apparently attributable to the presence of chondroitin 4- and/or 6-sulfate. Employing the Alcian blue-critical electrolyte concentration technique, the basophilia of the pseudocysts was suppressed at a concentration of 0.5–0.6 M MgCl₂, which might indicate polysaccharides of relatively low degree of sulfation. An additional, non-sulfated acid mucin could also be demonstrated in these structures.

In certain duct and gland like structures of the tumours, a change in staining pattern from blue or blue-red to red could be observed after exposure of the sections to neuraminidase and subsequent staining with the Alcian blue (pH 2.5)-PAS sequence. Similar observations were also made when the pH of the Alcian blue was lowered to 1.5–1.0, as well as after acid hydrolysis. These findings afford evidence for the presence of a neuraminidase susceptive sialomucin in certain epithelial secretions of the tumor.

At the ultrastructural level the replicated basement lamina of the pseudocysts displayed a strong positive reaction with the PA-CrA-silver staining technique. Furthermore, amorphous material within the lumina of small duct like structures also displayed a positive reaction. The amorphous material of the cystic compartments was less reactive.