Lectin receptors as markers of lymphoid cells. I. Demonstration in tissue section by peroxidase technique.

The distribution of lectin binding receptors in human lymphoid tissue (lymph node and tonsil) was studied in an effort to identify lectins with potential application as cell markers. Using a simple peroxidase technique applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, the binding properties of five lectins were investigated: concanavalin A (Con A), Arachis hypogaea (peanut agglutinin), Lotus tetragonolobus (asparagus pea), Glycine max (soybean agglutinin) and Bandeiraea simplicifolia. Three of the lectins were found to demonstrate selective binding in tissue section: Lotus tetragonolobus to transformed follicular center lymphocytes; Arachis hypogaea to transformed follicular center lymphocytes; and Con A to macrophage histiocytes. These lectins are potentially useful markers for the investigation and classification of lymphoproliferative disease.