Immunofluorescent study of immunoglobulins and complement components in human brain tumors.

Using a direct immunofluorescent method, histological locations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA and IgD of heavy chain, and kappa and lambda of light chain) and complement components (C3 and C4) were studied in 78 brain tumors, which included 24 astrocytomas, 6 metastatic tumors, 5 medulloblastomas, 4 malignant lymphomas, 15 meningiomas, 8 schwannomas, 8 pituitary adenomas, and 8 other miscellaneous brain tumors. IgG-positive cells were observed in the perivascular regions of astrocytomas, but were more marked in those of high grade, metastatic tumors and meningiomas. Malignant lymphomas demonstrated IgG and IgM-positive cells accompanied by either kappa of lambda light chains. C3 and C4 were much less evident in these tumors. Pituitary adenomas showed slight positive stains for both immunoglobulins and complement components on the blood vessel walls, Immune reactions against brain tumors were discussed including the clinical application of autologous lymphocyte infusion in malignant gliomas and combination chemotherapy in intracranial malignant lymphomas.