Immune cell quantitation in normal breast tissue lobules with and without lobulitis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2896-8
• Publication Date: 2014-03-04T15:16:17Z
• Authors: Amy C. Degnim; Rushin D. Brahmbhatt; Derek C. Radisky; Tanya L. Hoskin; Melody Stallings-...; Mark Laudenschlager; Aaron Mansfield; Marlene H. Frost; Linda Murphy; Keith Knutson; Daniel W. Visscher
• Keywords: CD11c; CD68; Follicular dendritic cells

While the immune microenvironment has been investigated in breast cancers, little is known about its role non-malignant tissues. Here we quantify and localize cellular components normal tissue lobules, with without visible infiltrates (lobulitis). Up to ten representative lobules each eleven samples were assessed for B cells (CD20), cytotoxic T (CD8), helper (CD4), dendritic (CD11c), leukocytes (CD45), monocytes/macrophages (CD68). Using digital image analysis, cell densities measured compared between with/without lobulitis. 109 11 evaluated; 31 lobulitis 78 without. Immune showed consistent patterns all samples, predominantly localized rather than stroma. Regardless of status, most demonstrated CD8+, CD11c+, CD45+, CD68+ cells, lower CD4+ CD20+ cells. Both CD11c+ CD8+ consistently intimately associated basal aspect lobule epithelium. Significantly higher CD4+, CD20+, CD45+ observed In contrast, did not vary tissue, myeloid lymphoid are present directly integrated Lobules have significantly more adaptive (B T) but no increase or monocytes/macrophages. These findings indicate an active dynamic mucosal system tissue.