What podoplanin tells us about cells with telopodes

Area of Science:

• Histology
• Cell Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Telocytes (TCs) are characterized by long, thin cell processes called telopodes.
• Morphological similarity exists between TCs and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs).
• Standard markers for TCs do not typically include LEC-specific markers like Prox-1, D2-40, or LYVE-1.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential for mistaking LECs for TCs in histological samples.
• To evaluate the necessity of using lymphatic markers in the identification of telocyte-like cells.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis using CD34, α-smooth muscle actin, and D2-40.
• Study conducted on archived paraffin-embedded uterine leiomyoma samples.
• Light microscopy examination of tissue sections.

Main Results:

• D2-40 expression confirmed the presence of lymphatic vessels.
• False TCs appearances were identified as collapsed lymphatic lumina or longitudinal cuts of lymphatics.
• Morphological resemblance can lead to misidentification without specific lymphatic marker assessment.

Conclusions:

• It is mandatory to test telocyte-like cells for lymphatic markers to ensure accurate identification.
• Careful examination of bidimensional cuts is essential to prevent misdiagnosis.
• Distinguishing TCs from LECs requires a combination of morphological assessment and specific immunohistochemistry.