Factor-XIIIa-expressing dermal dendrocytes in Kaposi's sarcoma. A comparison between classical and immunosuppression-associated types.
The histogenetic origin of Kaposi's sarcoma is a matter of controversy, with recent reports claiming it to derive from the factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocyte rather than endothelial cells. We investigated the potential role of factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocytes in the genesis of both classical (endemic) and immunosuppression-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Thirteen cases of classical and 16 cases of immunosuppression (mostly AIDS)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma were immunostained with antibodies to factor XIIIa and to the blood-group antigen H, recognizing endothelial cells. Factor-XIIIa-positive cells were consistently antigen-H-negative and represented only a small percentage (usually less than 10%) of the proliferative cells. Their relative density tended to be decreased in immunosuppression-associated Kaposi's sarcoma when compared with that of the classical form. These results do not support the view that dermal dendrocytes may be the cells of origin of Kaposi's sarcoma; conversely, their decreased density in cases of immunosuppression-associated Kaposi's sarcoma could be related to immunosuppression and may account for more rapid tumour growth.
Laboratory of Dermatopathology/INSERM U346, Ed. Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France.
J
J
Kanitakis
M
M
Roca-Miralles
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D011503:Transglutaminases / Q000032:analysis*
D011503:Transglutaminases