Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Neural cell adhesion molecule immunoreactivity in Merkel cells and Merkel cell tumours
R Gallego1, T García-Caballero, M Fraga
1Department of Morphological Sciences (Histology), Faculty of Medicine, Galicia General Hospital, University of Santiago, Spain.
Abstract:
We have analysed the expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in normal Merkel cells of pig and human skin, and in nine neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (Merkel cell carcinomas). NCAM immunoreactivity was observed in virtually all Merkel cells, both in epidermis and vibrissae of pig snout skin and in human epidermis. Immunostaining surrounded the entire surface of Merkel cells and was not restricted to the contact areas between Merkel cells and nerve terminals. All Merkel cell carcinomas studied were also positive for NCAM. The immunostaining pattern of the tumour cells was similar to that observed in normal Merkel cells; the immunoreactivity was confined to the cell membranes. These results suggest that NCAM may be used as an immunohistochemical marker for both Merkel cells and Merkel cell tumours.
Related Concept Videos
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
Selectins
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...

