Factor VIII-related antigen and lymphatic collecting vessels.

In order to investigate endothelial cells of lymphatic vessels for factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIR:Ag), lymphatics from lo patients with malignant lymphoma or testicular carcinoma undergoing lymph-angiography were examined. After the lymphangiography was terminated, a part of the cannulated lymphatic vessel was removed and prepared for immunohistochemical examination for FVIIIR:Ag. All the lymphatic vessels showed positive cytoplasmatic staining for FVIIIR:Ag in the endothelial cells, the reaction being weak and patchy when compared with blood vessels. Electron microscopy was done on five lymphatic vessels and showed these to be lined with endothelial cells without a basal lamina.