EVIDENCE FOR THE ORIGIN OF KAPOSIS SARCOMA FROM LYMPHATIC ENDOTHELIUM

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 119  (2) , 294-300
Abstract
Previous studies utilizing enzyme histochemistry, EM, and immunohistochemistry have failed to establish the cell of origin in Kaposi''s sarcoma. The prevailing hypothesis that the lesion defined as Kaposi''s sarcoma is derived from vascular endothelial cells was tested using 7 markers to characterize endothelial cells: 3 antigens (Factor VIII-related antigen, HLA-DR/Ia, macrophage/endothelial antigens), 3 enzymes (5''-nucleotidase, ATPase, alkaline phosphatase), and lectin binding (Ulex europaeus I). The markers were applied first to normal skin and lymph node, and then to biopsy specimens from 40 patients with Kaposi''s sarcoma. Normal blood vessel endothelium was positive for all 7 markers, but normal lymphatic endothelium was negative for all of the markers except 5''-nucleotidase and Ulex europaeus lectin. The neoplastic cells in 40 cases of Kaposi''s sarcoma closely resembled those of normal lymphatic endothelium but not those of blood vessel endothelium. This suggests that Kaposi''s sarcoma may originate in lymphatic endothelium.

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