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Vimentin expression in sweat gland tumours.
J W Huang1, M Kunikata, K Hashimura
1Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical College, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.
Acta Histochemica
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Vimentin is a key protein found in various sweat gland tumors, particularly in myoepithelial cells. Its presence helps identify tumor cell types and growth patterns in skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Sweat gland tumors encompass a diverse range of neoplasms.
- Understanding the cellular origins and differentiation of these tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein often associated with mesenchymal cells and myoepithelial differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistochemical localization of vimentin in various types of sweat gland tumors.
- To correlate vimentin expression with specific cell types and structures within these neoplasms.
- To elucidate the potential role of vimentin in the pathogenesis of sweat gland tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on 93 cases of sweat gland tumors.
- A monoclonal anti-vimentin antibody was used for staining.
- Vimentin expression was evaluated in different cellular components and architectural patterns.
Main Results:
- Strong vimentin immunoreactivity was observed in modified myoepithelial or neoplastic myoepithelial cells of mixed tumors, syringoma, and sweat gland adenoma.
- Tumor cells in the outer layers of tubular, ductal, and duct-like structures consistently showed positive vimentin staining.
- All tumor cells in clear cell hydroadenoma exhibited positive vimentin staining.
- Luminal border tumor cells in mixed tumors rarely showed vimentin immunoreactivity.
Conclusions:
- Vimentin expression is a significant marker in distinguishing cell types within sweat gland tumors.
- Positive vimentin staining in the outer zones of tubulo-ductal structures suggests a role for modified myoepithelial cells.
- The findings may indicate reactive proliferation of myoepithelial cells and concurrent growth of luminal tumor cells in certain sweat gland neoplasms.