bcl-2

Recommended positive control：lymphoid tissues containing follicular centers

This antibody mainly react with B and T lymphocytes except for germinal centers.

bcl2 protein regulate cell death (apoptosis).

– Diagnosis of follicular lymphoma

This protein is highly expressed in majority of cases of follicular lymphoma. In contrast, germinal centers of normal/reactive lymphoid tissue are negative.

The expression of bcl-2 is not specific for follicular lymphoma, also positive for other types of lymphoma. Only useful for distinction between normal/reactive follicular center and neoplastic follicules.

Arround 20% of follicular lymphoma is negative for bcl-2. High grade FLs, especially grade 3b cases, are frequently negative for this marker.

– Diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)

SFT is usually positive for bcl2 and widely used for this purpose. However, we recommend more specific STAT6 instead.

FL　　　　       　　　　             reactive

Duodenal follicular lymphoma. Germinal center is positive for bcl2.

<Photos: Given by Prof Yoshino, Okayama University>