Apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins (Fas, Fas ligand, bcl-2, p53) in macrophages of human ovarian epithelial tumors

Apoptosis and the apoptosis-related proteins (ARP) (Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), bcl-2 and p53) were analyzed in macrophages of different human ovarian epi thelial tumors. Few macrophages were found in ovaries of women without onco logic disorders. In ovarian benign cysts, macrophagic density reached 4.9 /- 1.2 per 50,000 mu m(2), most were present in lymphoid-macrophagic infilt rates of the sub-epithelial stroma (3.7 +/- 0.5% of the area of a slide), a nd 23.4% were Fas and FasL positive. In borderline tumors, the expanse of l ymphoid infiltrates increased to 15.6% of the area of a slide, and the numb er of macrophages increased 2.4-fold compared to benign cysts. Of the macro phages, 83-88% expressed Fas and FasL, few had bcl-2 and CD25 receptors, an d isolated ones were apoptotic. In carcinomas with high lymphoid-macrophagi c infiltration, the infiltrate occupied 17.5% of the slide and macrophages amounted to 12.1 +/- 1.5/50,000 mu m(2). Many macrophages were in regions o f grouping apoptosis of tumor epithelial cells and significantly fewer expr essed Fas, FasL and bcl-2. Macrophages destroyed by apoptosis accounted for 4.6%. In carcinomas with low lymphoid-macrophageal infiltration, the area of the last was 5.1% of the slide. There were 8.6 +/- 0.8 macrophages/50,00 0 mu m(2), mainly at the margins of zones of necrosis and of tumor cells' g rouping apoptosis. Extensive macrophagic infiltration into tumor parenchyma is one way by which the host immune system destroys tumors. Fas and FasL a ppear in macrophages of benign cysts, but in borderline tumors and in carci nomas with low infiltration their concentration increases sharply, to 79.8% and 96.6%, respectively. In 4.5% of these cells, apoptosis of macrophages was seen. The findings suggest that macrophages participate in the transfer of ARP to tumor epithelial cells, thereby inducing their apoptosis, but un dergoing the simultaneous apoptosis.