Application of a marker of ciliated epithelial cells to gynaecological pathology

Background-The assessment of neoplastic disease in gynaecological histopath ology can be complicated by the high incidence of metaplasia seen in tissue s of the female genital tract. There is a need to identify specific tissue markers which can be applied in routine histopathological practice. Aim-To examine the clinical potential of a monoclonal antibody, LhS28, whic h reacts with basal bodies of ciliated epithelial cells. Methods-A panel of normal and pathological gynaecological tissues was proce ssed and labelled with LhS28. Results-LhS28 immunoreactivity was found in the normal Fallopian tube where it was confined to ciliated rather than secretory epithelial cells. In the remaining specimens, LhS28 was associated exclusively with ciliated cells in tubal metaplasias of the cervix and endometrium and in benign serous lin ed inclusion cysts. Conclusions-LhS28 may be a valuable marker for identifying metaplasia of tu bal type and may find application in distinguishing tubal metaplasia from l ow grade cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia.