Analysis of Cysteinyldopa Isomers and Some of Their O-methyl Derivatives in the Urine of Melanoma Patients by Means of Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Po-anti-HTLA conjugate, whereas very few were labelled by Po-Fab anti-lg.All the cells stained by Po-anti-HTLA conjugate showed ultrastructural characteristics of Sezary cells (Fig. I b).Converse ly, these cells were not stained when Po-Fab anti-Ig conjugate was used (Fig. la).The staining was found on the cytoplasmic membrane only as irregu lar spots (Fig. I c,d). DISCUSSIONA number of immunological studies have already suggested the thymus-derived nature of Sezary cell.The present data present direct evidence of the T cell nature of these cells, by immunocytochemical and ultrastructural techniques.and using a Po anti-HTLA serum.The direct labelling technique showed that all the cells with morphological characteristics of Sezary cells (cerebriform nucleus, microvilli) were stained by Po-anti-HTLA conju gate, whereas they were not stained by Po-Fab anti-lg.Previous results have clearly shown that Po-anti-HTLA lg did stain tonsillar T lymphocytes, whereas they left B cells and monocytes unstained (Schmitt, D., Brochier, J., Revillard, J. P. and Thivolet, J., submitted for publication).Other studies were performed using Sezary cells from blood; we used cells from skin infiltrates and, there fore, confirm their cutaneous homing (4).A few B lymphocytes were isolated from skin infiltrates: their number was found to be lower than in blood, although they were generally found in the same proportion in other skin disorders or even, in in creased numbers in melanoma (3).The present re port illustrates a new approach to the identification and characterization of T cell proliferations by us ing a specific anti-serum conjugated with perox idase, in light and electron microscopy.