Archiv für pathologische Anatomie und Physiologie und für klinische Medicin

Two cases of cystic benign lymphoepithelial lesions (CBLL) of the submandibular and parotid glands occurring in HIV-positive patients are reported. The clinical and pathological criteria are defined and the differences from Sjögren's syndrome discussed. The presence, in the epithelial component, of T-cells labelled by the human mucosal lymphocyte antibody argues for a primary involvement of epithelial structures in CBLL, the lymphoid hyperplasia occurring secondarily.

The presence of CEA in parotid gland tumours was studied by immunohistochemical methods. 52 cases were analysed. 7 of 8 adenocarcinomas, 3 of 5 cystadenocarcinomas, 3 of 4 adenoid cystic carcinomas and all 3 salivary duct carcinomas were positive for CEA. 5 of 8 squamous cell carcinomas and 9 of 21 carcinomas in a pleomorphic adenoma were also positive for CEA. The anaplastic carcinomas were negative. The distribution pattern of the presence of CEA in the carcinomatous and the adjacent normal or inflamed tissue was analysed. The results are discussed with regard to their histogenetic and diagnostic implications.

The cellular composition of crescents in diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis is still controversial. Ten renal biopsies were studied on serial sections by using antikeratin antibodies as specific markers of epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule and both anti-macrophage and anti-lymphocyte antibodies. Semiautomatic morphometry showed that cellular crescents consisted of epithelial ceils of Bowman's capsule (24–61%), of macrophages (19–34%) and of unlabelled cells (12–53%). In each biopsy, parietal epithelial cells outnumbered macrophages within crescents.