Lectin histochemistry of Wilms' tumor. Comparison with normal adult and fetal kidney.

The lectin histochemical staining patterns of nine surgically resected Wilms' tumors (WIT) (five classical, one rhabdomyomatous, one monomorphic tubular, and two blastematous) and four WIT heterotransplants in nude mice were compared with those of six normal adult and fetal kidneys using 11 biotinylated and fluorochrome-labeled lectins representing a spectrum of sugar specificities. Tubular epithelial cells of fetal and adult kidney demonstrated a complex pattern of glycosubstances, as detected by staining with most of the lectins. The dysplastic tubules of WIT and WIT heterotransplants resembled distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of adult kidney, as detected by staining with lectins that reacted exclusively with these portions of the nephron. A simpler lectin affinity profile was observed with blastema of normal fetal kidney and blastema of WIT and WIT heterotransplants. Thus, fetal, adult, and tumor tubules and fetal and tumor blastema resemble each other in terms of lectin binding patterns.