CAM5.2-positive subserosal myofibroblasts in appendicitis

Tadashi Hamauzu1, Naoto Kuroda, Limei Guo

  • 1Department of Pathology, Program of Bioregulation and Genetics, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.

Insights

Myofibroblasts accumulate around appendicitis perforations, originating from submesothelial or mesothelial cells. These cells, identified by specific markers, replace absent CD34-positive stromal cells in the affected area.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Appendicitis perforation leads to significant tissue changes.
  • The role of myofibroblasts in appendicitis complications is not fully understood.
  • Understanding stromal cell origin is crucial for tissue repair mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and origin of myofibroblasts in appendicitis perforations.
  • To characterize stromal cell populations in normal and perforated appendices.
  • To identify potential cellular sources of myofibroblasts in appendicitis.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry on 45 appendicitis cases.
  • Analysis of stromal cells using markers like alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), CD34, cytokeratin CAM5.2, cytokeratin 5, and HBME-1.
  • Double immunostaining to assess coexpression of markers.

Main Results:

  • Myofibroblasts were found in the subserosal area around appendicitis perforations, particularly with abscess and granulation tissue.
  • CD34-positive stromal cells were absent in the perforation's subserosal area.
  • Coexpression of ASMA and cytokeratin CAM5.2, and cytokeratin 5 and cytokeratin CAM5.2, was observed in stromal cells.

Conclusions:

  • Myofibroblasts in the subserosal area of appendicitis perforations likely originate from submesothelial or mesothelial cells.
  • These findings highlight a distinct cellular response in appendicitis complications.
  • The study provides insights into the cellular dynamics of wound healing in appendicitis.

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