EXPRESSION OF CLASS-II MHC ANTIGENS IN THE EPITHELIUM OF THE HUMAN GASTER

Immunohistological analysis of the class II antigens expression in the gastric mucosa was performed using monoclonal antibodies in the immunoperoxidase technique. A weak expression of the class II antigens was observed in the lamina propria of the normal mucosa while epithelial cells were almost negative. In contrast, the expression of class II antigens on the epithelial cells was a constant finding in patients showing the endoscopical and histological abnormalities in gaster mucosa. Corresponding to the local inflammatory cell density in the lamina propria, a stronger neo-expression of class II antigens on epithelial cells was observed. These findings provide further evidence that class II antigens can be induced on human stomach epithelum.