Extracellular matrix proteins, integrin receptors (VLA-beta 1, VLA-alpha 2 and VLA-alpha 5) and growth fraction in atypical macroregenerative nodules of the liver: an immunocytochemical case study.
A case of cirrhotic liver harbouring three atypical macroregenerative nodules and an hepatocellular carcinoma was immunocytochemically investigated for the expression of VLA-beta 1, VLA-alpha 2 and VLA-alpha 5 integrins and for different extracellular matrix (ECM) components (collagen I, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin and tenascin). In addition, the proliferative activity within the nodules was evaluated, using the MIB 1 monoclonal antibody (MAb). The cirrhotic liver disclosed a continuous staining pattern of the ECM proteins investigated, as well as a "sinusoidal" immunostaining of VLA-beta 1, VLA-alpha 2 and VLA-alpha 5. The macroregenerative nodules showed a discontinued immunoreactivity for ECM proteins while maintaining a VLA-beta 1 sinusoidal immunostaining, coupled with intercellular immunostaining. VLA-alpha 2 and VLA-alpha 5 expression was lacking. The growth fraction was low in both the above pathological conditions. The hepatocellular carcinoma was devoid of any ECM immunostaining. VLA-beta 1 immunoreactivity exhibited a honeycomb pattern of staining, whereas VLA alpha subunits were absent. MIB1 expression was high, being present in 30% of neoplastic nuclei. A possible relationship between atypical macroregenerative nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma is discussed.
Patriarca
C
C
II Department of Pathology, University of Milan School of Medicine, Italy.
Roncalli
M
M
Viale
G
G
Alfano
R M
RM
Braidotti
P
P
Guddo
F
F
Coggi
G
G
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016023:Integrins / Q000032:analysis*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D010641:Phenotype
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D016023:Integrins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins