Neural cell adhesion molecule immunoreactivity in Merkel cells and Merkel cell tumours.
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.
Gallego
R
R
Department of Morphological Sciences (Histology), Faculty of Medicine, Galicia General Hospital, University of Santiago, Spain.
García-Caballero
T
T
Fraga
M
M
Beiras
A
A
Forteza
J
J
D000818:Animals; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000737:chemistry*; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000166:cytology; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology* / Q000294:innervation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D013552:Swine
D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal