Identification of megakaryocytic cells by Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA 1) in B5 fixed, decalcified, paraffin-embedded specimens

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 1990 Feb;45(2):75-82.

Abstract

To determine the utility of Ulex Europaeous Agglutinin I (UEA 1) as a marker for megakaryocytes, bone marrow from one hundred cases with various diseases studied using an immunoperoxidase method on the B5 fixed, decalcified and paraffin-embedded specimen. Our results indicated that large typical megakaryocytes and small megakaryocytes (micromegakaryocytes) were intensively stained by UEA 1 in diffuse, marginal, focal and hypo-granular patterns. Compared with factor VIII-related antigen, UEA 1 was more sensitive as a marker in identification of megakaryocytes. It provided an effective tool to observe the morphologic appearance of megakaryocytic lineage on B5 fixed, decalcified, paraffin-embedded specimen. The facility to identify the small atypical megakaryocytes as well as the different staining patterns would be helpful in the diagnosis of megakaryocytic disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow / pathology*
  • Decalcification Technique
  • Fixatives
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Lectins*
  • Megakaryocytes / pathology*
  • Paraffin
  • Plant Lectins*

Substances

  • Fixatives
  • Lectins
  • Plant Lectins
  • Ulex europaeus lectins
  • Paraffin