Immunohistochemical study of Warthin's tumour with special regard to the germinal centre

In order to analyze the role of the lymphoid stroma of Warthin's tumour, the author made an immunohistochemical study especially focussing on the germinal centre (GC). In the GCs, IgM and IgE were much more clearly observed in a lace-like network than other heavy chains, and also could be detected electron microscopically on the surface of GC cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). Plasma cells scattered beneath the epithelial component were mainly positive for IgG and IgA. IgG-positive plasma cells were more predominant than IgA plasma cells. Among the cases examined, there was a significant difference in the number of IgE-positive GC and plasma cells. In the GCs five complement components (C1g, C4, C3c, C3d, C5) and complement receptors (C3bR and C3dR) were positive, displaying a lace-like pattern, which were proved, electron microscopically, to coincide with the surface of FDCs and GC cells. IgE-positive GCs showed the same result. DRC1, which specifically reacts to FDC-membrane, was located only in GCs, and electron microscope also revealed positive findings on the surface of FDCs. The above mentioned findings in the GC of Warthin's tumour were similar to those of lymph nodes except for the frequent distribution of IgE. Salivary amylase was seen in the GC on rare occasions, but was not positive on the surface of GC cells and FDCs. It is suggested that FDCs play an important role in immunological behaviour with complement and complement receptors in the GC of Warthin's tumour.