[Cytokeratin expression in squamous-cell metaplasia of the cervix uteri: an immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies]

Immunohistochemical study of the exo- and endocervix in squamous metaplasia is performed using EE21-06d monoclonal antibodies revealing simultaneously five cytokeratinous polypeptides characteristic of squamous epithelium, and f-12-19h revealing simultaneously wide spectrum of cytokeratinous polypeptides characteristic of the epithelium various types. PAP method and the reaction of immunofluorescence were used. Monoclonal antibodies 12-19d label cells of all layers of normal exocervix, endocervix and metaplastic squamous epithelium, both immature and differentiated. Monoclonal antibodies EE21-06d react in the exocervix with suprabasal and higher located cells and in the endocervix with reserve cells only. Positive reaction with EE21-06d in the metaplastic foci increases in proportion with the squamous cell differentiation, thus this antibody being the marker of reserve cells and the degree of the squamous metaplasia maturity.