CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INFLAMMATORY INFILTRATE IN OVARIAN DYSGERMINOMA - AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY

The inflammatory infiltrate has been characterized in 10 cases of ovarian dysgerminoma using a panel of antisera to T-cells, B-cells and macrophages. The expression of Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and the distribution of interferons alpha and gamma were also examined. T-lymphocytes were present in all tumours, often closely admixed with neoplastic elements. T-cells in most areas were immunoreactive with gamma interferon. B-cells were generally scanty although germinal centres were present in three tumours. Immunocytochemistry revealed greater numbers of macrophages than had been appreciated on routinely stained sections. Macrophages were closely related to both lymphoid and tumour cells, and many macrophages were immunoreactive for alpha interferon. Class II MHC expression was mainly restricted to macrophages and B-cell areas although occasional T-cells were also stained. Dysgerminoma cells did not express Class II MHC antigens.