Progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in minute meningothelioid nodules of the lung
Giuseppe Pelosi1, Fausto Maffini, Nicola Decarli
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, University of Milan School of Medicine, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. giuseppe.pelosi@ieo.it
Abstract:
Meningothelioid nodules (MNs) are not uncommon lesions of the pulmonary interstitium composed of monomorphic round to spindle cells, likely reactive in nature. Their origin is unsettled, though a derivation from arachnoid-like cells in conditions of perturbed perfusion of the pulmonary tissue has been proposed. Here we confirm the consistent occurrence of intense progesterone-receptor immunoreactivity in MNs fortuitously detected in surgical specimens of lung carcinomas. This finding corroborates the view that these proliferations exhibit arachnoid cell-like differentiation and suggests a role for sex-steroid hormones in the control of their growth.
Insights
Meningothelioid nodules (MNs) in the lungs show progesterone-receptor activity, suggesting a link to arachnoid-like cells. This finding supports a role for sex-steroid hormones in the growth of these pulmonary lesions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Meningothelioid nodules (MNs) are common pulmonary interstitial lesions.
- The origin of MNs remains unclear, with a proposed link to arachnoid-like cells due to altered pulmonary perfusion.
- Previous hypotheses suggest a reactive nature for these nodules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular origin and hormonal influence on meningothelioid nodules.
- To confirm the presence and significance of progesterone-receptor expression in MNs.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis for progesterone receptors.
- Detection of MNs in surgical specimens of lung carcinomas.
Main Results:
- Consistent and intense progesterone-receptor immunoreactivity was observed in MNs.
- This finding supports the hypothesis of arachnoid cell-like differentiation in MNs.
Conclusions:
- The progesterone-receptor expression in MNs corroborates their arachnoid cell-like differentiation.
- Sex-steroid hormones may play a role in regulating the growth of meningothelioid nodules.