Related Experiment Videos
Proliferative fasciitis: ultrastructure and histogenesis
L Diaz-Flores1, A I Martin Herrera, R Garcia Montelongo
1Department of Pathology, La Laguna University, Canary Island, Spain.
Abstract:
The ultrastructure was studied of 2 cases of proliferative fasciitis (PF) which affected the fascia and subcutaneous fat. Two basic cell types were observed in the lesions: fibroblast-like, and giant cells. The fibroblast-like cells had myofibroblastic ultrastructural characteristics. The giant cells showed a well-developed, rough endoplasmic reticulum, irregularly distributed filaments and clear lipid droplets in their cytoplasms. Ultrastructurally, the giant cells seemed to belong to a cellular line capable of synthesizing ground substances and extracellular fibers, but with a modified phenotype. A consistent feature was the presence of nodular aggregates of numerous proliferating perivascular cells. Transitional forms between perivascular, fibroblast-like, and giant cells were observed. Our hypothesis is that perivascular cells (activated pericytes) are the source of the fibroblast-like and giant cells in proliferative fasciitis.
Insights
Proliferative fasciitis (PF) involves fibroblast-like and giant cells. Activated pericytes are hypothesized as the origin of these cells in PF lesions.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Proliferative fasciitis (PF) is a benign mesenchymal proliferation affecting fascia and subcutaneous tissue.
- Understanding the cellular origins of PF is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Two primary cell types were identified in PF lesions: fibroblast-like cells and giant cells.
- Fibroblast-like cells exhibited myofibroblastic ultrastructural features.
- Giant cells displayed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, irregular filaments, and cytoplasmic lipid droplets, suggesting a role in matrix synthesis.
Findings:
- Nodular aggregates of proliferating perivascular cells were consistently observed.
- Transitional cell forms between perivascular cells, fibroblast-like cells, and giant cells were noted.
- The study hypothesizes that activated perivascular cells (pericytes) are the progenitor cells for both fibroblast-like and giant cells in proliferative fasciitis.
Implications:
- This finding suggests pericytes may be the cellular source in proliferative fasciitis.
- Clarifying the cellular origin can refine diagnostic criteria and understanding of PF pathogenesis.
- Further research into pericyte activation in PF could reveal therapeutic targets.