Characterization of antibody-forming cells adjacent to laryngeal carcinoma

Plasma cells are often found in the stroma adjacent to squamous carcinoma of the larynx, although the class of immunoglobulin produced by these cells is unknown. Using an immunofluorescence technique with counterstaining by homidium bromide, we determined the proportion of plasmacytic cells producing IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE, kappa-light chain, and lambda-light chain immunoglobulins adjacent to tumor. IgG was found in 80% to 90% of the plasma cells at primary and metastatic sites. IgA and IgM were found in lesser percentages. IgA was often found in small clusters. IgE was found in rare isolated cells adjacent to tumor, but no IgD-containing cells were detected. Approximately equal numbers of kappa- and lambda-bearing cells were found. These findings indicate an IgG humoral immune response commonly occurs adjacent to squamous carcinoma of the larynx.