DETECTION OF PERFORIN AND TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSING CELLS IN SCLEROSING LYMPHOCYTIC LOBULITIS OF THE BREAST

The contribution of a cellular immune response to tissue destruction i n sclerosing lymphocytic lobulitis of the breast is not well understoo d. In this study, comparison of one case with two age matched control cases showed an increased frequency of activated perforin mRNA express ing cells at the site of tissue destruction in lobulitis. Along with t he detection of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) mRNA expressi ng cells in the infiltrates, the striking association of perforin expr essing activated cytotoxic cells with remaining gland parenchyma and t he high level of perforin mRNA suggests activation of cytotoxic cells in situ. These findings are evidence that cell mediated cytotoxicity p lays a significant role in the destruction of mammary gland tissue in sclerosing lymphocytic lobulitis.