Flow Cytometric Analysis of Ovarian Cancer Ascites: Response of Mesothelial Cells and Macrophages to Cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the response of mesothelial cells and macrophages in the peritoneal fluid of epithelial ovarian malignant tumors using flow cytometry immunophenotyping.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen peritoneal fluid samples collected from surgery or scentesis of epithelial ovarian malignant tumor patients were assayed using flow cytometry. Cytological and pathological diagnosis was performed on the same ascites and resected tumor specimens. Samples were treated with antibodies against established markers of mesothelial cells (podoplanin), macrophages (CD14) and the hyaluronan receptor (CD44).

RESULTS: A significant association was observed between the results of cytology and expression of podoplanin, CD44 and CD14 (p<0.05) in peritoneal macrophages. No significant association was observed between the results of cytology and expression of podoplanin, CD44 and CD14 in mesothelial cells in ascites.

CONCLUSION: Expression of surface molecules, such as podoplanin, CD44 and CD14 was increased in the peritoneal macrophages of epithelial ovarian cancer patients, suggesting that the cell-cell or cell-matrix interaction was enhanced during cancer dissemination in the peritoneum. Analysis of the peritoneal fluid using flow cytometry immunophenotyping may be useful for evaluating the diagnosis and pathophysiology of ovarian cancer dissemination.