Cystadenolymphoma: an immunohistochemical study with special reference to Ig E and mastcells

Cystadenolymphomas (adenolymphomas) were analysed by immunohistochemical studies for the presence of immunoglobulin A, E, G and M. The distribution pattern was examined by a quantitative analysis. The relative ratio of immunoglobulins was 31.8% (Ig A), 26.6% (Ig E), 28.6% (Ig G) and 13% (Ig M). The different compartments of the lymphoid stroma were analysed separately (subepithelial area, parafollicular area, follicular area). The distribution of mast cells was studied in a parallel approach by the toluidine blue technique. These cells were found in the stroma, but also in the epithelial parts. Our results show that the subepithelial zone in cystadenolymphomas is a region of special cellular reaction (plasma cells, mast cells). The Ig E producing plasma cells and the mastcells seem to play a special role in these tumors.