Special remarks:

Recent years, LYVE-1 (1999, Banerji et al.), podoplanin (1999, Breiteneder-Geleff et al.) and Prox-1 (1999, Wifle & Oliver) were found one after another as specific antigens of lymphatic endothelium and the approach to lymphatic study has progressed dramatically. However, it has been reported that these antigens are not expressed in only lymphatic endothelium according to tissues or clinical conditions, but antibodies against these antigens also react with other vessels especially vascular endothelium. This antibody is generated with an adjuvant-induced benignant lymphangioma by “rapid differential immunization technique” (a more efficient immunization method for antigens which are weak in antigenicity such as one on the lymphatic endothelium.) It is an antibody that is specific to lymphatic vessels but never reacts with vascular endothelium. While, it reacts with some blood cells.