Lectin-binding pattern in extramammary Paget's disease by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeling method--specific staining with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA).

Lectin-binding pattern in extramammary Paget's disease was studied using seven different lectins (Con A, WGA, RCA-I, PNA, SBA, DBA, and UEA-I) by means of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeling method. By light microscopy it was observed that Con A, WGA, RCA-I, and DBA stained almost all the extramammary Paget cells, while PNA, SBA, and UEA-I stained only some of them. Normal keratinocytes and tumor cells from other diseases such as mammary Paget's disease, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell epithelioma, Bowen's disease, and seborrheic keratosis were positively stained with Con A, WGA, and RCA-I, but not with DBA except in some of the mammary Paget's cells. By electron microscopy it was observed that DBA stained the cell membrane and the Golgi apparatus of the extramammary Paget cells. The present results suggest that DBA is a specific lectin for glycoconjugates in extramammary Paget cells.