Factor VII related antigen as an endothelial cell marker in benign and malignant diseases.

The presence and distribution of Factor VIII related antigen (FVIIR:Ag) in formation fixed, paraffin embedded tissue were studied in benign and malignant vascular tumors, inflammatory vascular diseases, normal tissue from various organs and a number of malignant tumors. The unlabeled peroxidase-anti-peroxidase method was utilized. Immunostaining was observed only in endothelial cells, in tumor cells of endothelial cell origin and in megakaryocytes and platelets. The staining method gave a distinct picture of the vascular pattern in all types of tissue examined. The demonstration of FVIIIR:Ag by means of the immunoperoxidase technique is considered a valuable method in diagnosing tumors of vascular origin. The method also facilitates detection of vascular invasion of malignant tumors in small caliber vessels.