Patterns of keratin subsets in normal and abnormal uterine cervical tissues. An immunohistochemical study.

We investigated the use of three monoclonal antikeratin antibodies on routinely formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded punch and cone biopsies of the normal human uterine cervix and its metaplastic and premalignant lesions. Monoclonal antibodies used were AE8, which is specific for keratin 13; 34BE12, which reacts with keratins of the stratified squamous epithelium; and CAM5.2, which is specific for keratin 8. All these antibodies performed well in routinely processed surgical pathology material. AE8 antibody stained the suprabasal layer of the normal squamous epithelium. Squamous metaplasia and dysplasia were stained in 50% of the cases. Normal suprabasal distribution of the keratin 13, however, was lost in all positive dysplasia cases. CAM5.2 reacted with normal columnar cells in all cases, and squamous metaplasia was focally positive in 20% of the cases. Dysplasia showed a positive reaction in 30% to 40% of the cases. The 34BE12 antibody was reacting with the full thickness of the squamous epithelium. Squamous metaplasia and dysplasia were positive in 80% of the cases. In addition, 34BE12 stained reserve cell hyperplasia, making it a useful marker for this condition. Our results demonstrate that keratin immunohistochemistry with the above-listed antibodies gives pathogenetically interesting information on cervical lesions.