Expression of early lung cancer detection marker p31 in neoplastic and non-neoplastic respiratory epithelium (original) (raw)

In an immunocytochemical study of sputum, two antibodies, including a mouse monoclonal antibody (703D4) to a 31 kDa protein (p31) antigen, have been previously shown to detect lung cancer earlier than routine cytomorphology or chest X-ray. To understand the basis of p31 expression, the distribution of this antigen in the respiratory epithelium of individuals known to have lung cancer was mapped. These individuals are likely to demonstrate extensive changes throughout the epithelium due to field cancerixation. p31 immunoreactivity was examined in primary tumors and surrounding non-neoplastic lungs containing both histologically normal and abnormal areas obtained from 28 Stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Distribution and intensity of p31 expression was scored in three lung compartments (bronchi, bronchioli, alveoli). While p31 was present in histologically unremarkable bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, no expression was detected in bronchi or bronchioli containing histologic abnormalities. Furthermore, in the peripheral lung p3 1 staining was frequently observed in alveolar type II cells and was most commonly detected in reactive, hyperplastic type II cells. When p3 1 immunoreactivity was correlated with clinicopathological Abbreviations: NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer; BCH, basal cell hyperplasia; GCH, goblet cell hyperplasia; SQM, squamous metaplasia; DYS, dysplasia; T2H, type II cell hyperplasia; FIB, fibrosis; BOA, bronchiolization of the alveoli; SI, staining index; HPF, high power field.