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CD44 expression in normal adrenal tissue and adrenal tumours
I Barshack1, I Goldberg, D Nass
1Department of Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 13, 1998
Summary
Standard CD44 (CD44-S) membranous staining can help differentiate pheochromocytomas from adrenal cortical adenomas. This finding aids in diagnosing adrenal tumors by analyzing CD44 expression patterns.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein with standard (CD44-S) and variant (CD44-V) isoforms.
- CD44-S is typically expressed on normal cells, while CD44-V isoforms are found on malignant tumors.
- CD44 expression patterns can vary in neural crest derivatives, including adrenal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CD44-S and CD44-V6 expression in normal adrenal glands, adrenal cortical tumors, and pheochromocytomas.
- To determine if CD44 expression differences can aid in the diagnosis and differentiation of adrenal tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of CD44-S and CD44-V6 expression.
- Study included normal adrenal glands, adrenal cortical adenomas, adrenal cortical carcinomas, and pheochromocytomas.
Main Results:
- CD44-V6 showed cytoplasmic expression in normal adrenal cortex and cortical tumors; pheochromocytomas had variable CD44-V6 expression.
- Strong membranous CD44-S staining was observed in the normal adrenal medulla.
- Cortical tumors exhibited weak to moderate cytoplasmic CD44-S staining, whereas pheochromocytomas displayed strong membranous CD44-S staining.
Conclusions:
- Membranous CD44-S staining is a potential biomarker to distinguish pheochromocytoma from adrenal cortical adenoma.
- Analyzing CD44 expression patterns can improve the diagnostic accuracy of adrenal tumors.