Immunoperoxidase localization of secretory component in reactive mesothelium and mesotheliomas

Immunoperoxidase localization of the secretory component (SC) of immunoglobulin (Ig) A was undertaken on paraffin-embedded tissue to investigate its usefulness in differentiating epithelial from mesothelial neoplasms. Epithelial cells, but not mesothelial cells, have been previously reported to contain SC, which may be involved in the intraepithelial transport of secretory IgA. In this study we report, for the first time, focal but unequivocal staining for SC in reactive mesothelium and mesotheliomas (10/16). Reactivity was not associated with any histologic subtype of malignant mesothelioma although staining was usually seen in the "epithelial" type. The significance in terms of possible mesothelial secretory IgA transport is discussed.