A PANEL OF ANTIBODIES FOR THE IMMUNOSTAINING OF BOUIN FIXED BONE-MARROW TREPHINE BIOPSIES

Aims-To assess a panel of antibodies on Bouin's fixed bone marrow trep hine (BMT) biopsies. These biopsies are widely used in routine diagnos is of various haematological malignancies and may be the sole material available in many centres; however, information regarding the immunos taining of this material is lacking. Methods-Biopsies were taken from 72 patients presenting with various haematological malignancies (leuka emia, 38; lymphoma, 14; multiple myeloma, 20). A panel of antibodies w as assessed on Bouin's fixed BMT biopsies by the alkaline phosphatase- antialkaline phosphatase method. Results-Three B (MB2, LN-2, Ki-B5) an d two T cell lineage antibodies (UCHL-1, CD3-r) reliably identified ly mphoid cells, while MPO-r, Leu-M1/CD15, and KP-1/CD68 recognised cells from the myeloid or histiocytic/macrophage series. Reed-Sternberg cel ls were stained by LN-2, Leu-M1, and CD30. Antibodies specific for pla sma cells (VS38) and hairy cells (DBA.44) gave a variable pattern of s taining. Among the proliferation markers, proliferative cell nuclear a ntigen but not Ki-67 related antibodies were effective. Conclusion-Thi s study presents a panel of antibodies with reactivity mot restricted to common fixatives that are also suitable for Bouin's fixed BMT biops ies.