EXPRESSION OF TYPE-VI COLLAGEN IN PSAMMOMA BODIES - IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE STUDIES ON 2 FRESH HUMAN MENINGIOMAS

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that psammoma bodies in human meningiomas co ntain type VI collagen and laminin. STUDY DESIGN: Two fresh human meni ngiomas were obtained from surgery and the frozen sections examined fo r type VI collagen and laminin with specific antibodies. RESULTS: Type VI collagen was found on the surface of the psammoma bodies. In addit ion, it was detected in the interstitial tissues surrounding the tumor cells and on the tumor cells themselves. Laminin was detected mainly in the walls of capillaries and larger blood vessels. In contrast, in some psammoma bodies, laminin was detectable internally Laminin was no t found in the interstitial tissues or tumor cells. CONCLUSION: This i s the first report to describe the involvement of type VI collagen in psammoma bodies and whorl formations in meningiomas. This specific typ e of collagen may serve an anchoring function in psammoma body develop ment.