GFAP, FVIII/RAG, LAMININ, AND FIBRONECTIN IN GLIOSARCOMAS - AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

GFAP [gliofibrillary acidic protein], FVIII/RAg [factor-VIII related antigen] laminin and fibronectin were immunohistochemically investigated in 15 glioblastomas and 15 gliosarcomas in patients. GFAP was found variably positive in the glial areas. FVIII/RAg characterizes the endothelial cells and in gliosarcomas suggests the origin of the sarcomatous component from the endothelial proliferations. Laminin separates the 2 components and characterizes the inner and the outer basement membranes in the vessels. It is multiplied and thickened in endothelial proliferations, while it is often fragmented in the larger vessel wall proliferations. Gliosarcoma represents the last stage of a process which starts with the endothelial hyperplasia of glioblastoma.