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S100 immunophenotypes of uveal melanomas
J Kan-Mitchell1, N Rao, D M Albert
1Department of Pathology, Norris Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Ocular melanomas differ from cutaneous melanomas in S100 protein expression. This suggests a unique S100 variant in eye melanomas, requiring further research into their pathology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Ocular melanomas and cutaneous melanomas share similarities but may have distinct immunophenotypes.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunophenotypic similarities and differences between ocular and cutaneous melanomas.
- To determine if ocular melanomas express S100 proteins similarly to cutaneous melanomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 34 primary and metastatic choroidal melanomas, plus iris and conjunctival melanomas.
- Application of immunostains, including polyclonal (P-S100) and monoclonal (MAB-079, MAB4D4) antibodies against S100 proteins.
- Comparison of staining patterns with cutaneous melanoma samples.
Main Results:
- All ocular melanomas expressed vimentin and were melanotic, unlike carcinomas or lymphomas.
- A high percentage (97%) of choroidal melanomas stained with P-S100.
- Significantly lower staining with MAB-079 (14.7% vs. 85% in cutaneous melanomas) suggests a variant S100 polypeptide in ocular melanomas.
Conclusions:
- Ocular melanomas exhibit distinct S100 protein expression compared to cutaneous melanomas.
- The presence of a potential S100 variant in ocular melanomas warrants further investigation.
- These findings may offer insights into the etiology and pathology of ocular melanomas.