Identification of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor mRNA by non-isotopic in situ hybridization in bone marrow biopsies
Roncaroli, F.; Dina, R.; Geuna, M.; Reato, G.; Ponti, R.; Palestro, G.
Haematologica 79(4): 322-327
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 7806086 Document Number: 435218
Background: In the last few years many studies have been published on GM-CSF receptors, focusing on molecular structure, function and distribution. Nevertheless, protocols for detecting GM-CSF receptors on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded histological sections, to our knowledge, have not been described. Methods: A method based on non-isotopic in situ hybridization (ISH) using a 21-base antisense DNA oligoprobe whose 3'-end was labeled with digoxigenin 11-dUTP was devised. The probe was applied on 20 routinely processed bone marrow trephine biopsies which were considered as positive controls. Results: The hybridization signal was seen in myeloid cells, erythroid progenitors and rare megakaryocytes. Conclusions: Non-isotopic ISH represents an alternative to current methodologies for the assessment of GM-CSF receptor expression; since it is suitable for routinely processed samples, it can be regarded as a helpful tool for diagnostic determination of GM-CSF receptors in tumors from patients receiving GM-CSF and for retrospective studies on archival material.