Expression of the pantumour Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen in the human placenta with the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole
Richter, D.U.; Jeschke, U.; Makovitzky, J.; Gerber, B.; Briese, V.
Anticancer Research 27(4a): 2001-2003
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 17649812 Document Number: 611309
Background: The Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen (or, more precisely, epitope, Gal beta 1-3GalNAc) has long been known as a pancarcinoma antigen. Specific carrier proteins of the TF-antigen are the mucins, in particular Mucin 1. Here, we present our results of immunohistochemical identification of this carbohydrate antigen in human placenta. Materials and Methods: Paraffin-embedded placental and decidual tissues from patients with the diagnosis hydatidiform mole were incubated with different monoclonal antibodies directed against TF-epitope (CD 176, IgM) and against Mucin 1 (CD 227, IgG). Results: No expression of the TF-antigen or of Mucin 1 (Muc 1) was found in the decidual tissues, but the samples of chorionic tissues were TF- and Muc 1-antigen positive. As positive control, placental samples of the first trimester were investigated. Conclusion: A disorder of the extravillous trophoblast cells is present in hydatidiform mole.