Mononuclear cell infiltrate and HLA-DR expression in low grade astrocytomas. An immunohistological study of 23 cases

Acta Neuropathol. 1988;76(3):281-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00687776.

Abstract

Frozen samples from 23 low grade (grade I and II) astrocytomas were studied by means of a panel of monoclonal antibodies to macrophages, lymphocytes (and their subsets) and HLA-DR antigens. Macrophages were present in low to moderate numbers in 38%-86% of cases, the variance in figures depending on the antibody used. T lymphocytes, the majority of CD8 phenotype, were detected in low numbers in 78% of tumours. B lymphocytes were scanty in 22% (5/22) and totally absent in the remaining cases. HLA-DR antigen was expressed by tumour cells in 35% (6/17) of cases. These findings indicate that in some low grade astrocytomas there is a mononuclear cell infiltrate with macrophages and secondarily CD8+ lymphocytes playing the major role. The significance of these findings remains speculative at present.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / immunology*
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Lymphocytes / physiopathology
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / physiopathology
  • Male

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens