IngentaConnect Tenascin-C expression in Merkel cell carcinoma lymph node metasta...

Authors: KOLJONEN, VIRVE; BÖHLING, TOM¹; TUKIAINEN, ERKKI²; HAGLUND, CAJ³; JAHKOLA, TIINA²

Source: Apmis, Volume 114, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 39-42(4)

Abstract:

Koljonen V, Böhling T, Tukiainen E, Haglund C, Jahkola T. Tenascin-C expression in Merkel cell carcinoma lymph node metastasis. APMIS 2006;114:39–42.

Expression of tenascin-C (Tn-C) has been shown to correlate with invasion and metastasis in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Cytokeratin-20 (CK-20) is used in differential diagnostics of the primary tumour. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the expression of Tn-C in MCC lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for five metastatic lymph nodes using a monoclonal antibody against Tn-C and CK-20. All five metastatic lymph nodes expressed Tn-C. The expression concentrated around the vascular structures, invasion borders and fibrotic septae. One of the metastatic lymph nodes was strongly positive for CK-20 while the others showed a focal or negative pattern. The normal lymphoid tissue was negative for Tn-C. Tn-C detected metastatic MCC tissue within the lymph nodes undisputedly. There was a clear distinction between the metastatic and normal lymphatic tissue. Furthermore, invasion to the surrounding tissue was easily demonstrated. Contrary to previous studies, CK-20 expression seemed to fluctuate.

Keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; Tenascin-C; lymph node metastasis; CK-20

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2006.apm_249.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pathology, Helsinki University and HUSLAB, and 2: Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, 3: Department of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

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