Endothelial cell and stromal antigens in human periapical granulation tissue

Periapical granulation tissue consists of vasculature of varying sizes and types, infiltrating cells, and other stromal elements. We examined the differential expression of endothelial and stroma antigens in this tissue to determine their tissue distribution in order to obtain hints on their functions. Some of the antigens examined were present only in the endothelial lining of vasculature, including high endothelial venules (e.g. CD31 and CD105), whereas others were more widely expressed by both vascular and stromal elements (e.g. CD29, CD63, CD44, and CD151). Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies specific to certain tissue compartments revealed the tissue architecture more precisely and the expression of certain antigens in the tissue suggested special roles for these antigens. Tissue distribution of CD63, CD143, CD147, and CD151 in periapical granulation tissue is first reported in the present study.