ULTRASTRUCTURAL DEMONSTRATION OF TYPE-IV COLLAGEN DEPOSITS IN PERIDUCTAL ELASTOSIS IN BREAST-CANCER

In a previous study we demonstrated at light microscopical level the p resence of variable amounts of type IV collagen in the areas of peridu ctal and interstitial elastosis in breast cancer22. The present work w as directed towards a further study by immunoelectron microscopy of th e distribution of type IV collagen in the areas of periductal elastosi s. The semithin sections showed a distinct immunoreactivity of all bas ement membranes for type IV collagen but no staining of the interstiti al stroma. Corresponding ultrathin sections demonstrated a broad basem ent membrane with immunoreactivity for type IV collagen at its outer s ide. Many punctiform deposits of type IV collagen were observed in the areas of periductal elastosis but not around normal ducts or vessels. Recently the role of type IV collagen as a structural component on an choring plaques between the basement membrane and the underlying strom a in the dermis has been emphasized. The results of this study demonst rate the presence of type IV collagen deposits below a thickened basem ent membrane in breast cancer.