Growth dynamics of acquired melanocytic nevi. Higher reactivity of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in junctional and compound nevi than intradermal nevi.
BACKGROUND
The histogenesis of acquired melanocytic nevi is still a matter of debate.


OBJECTIVE
To provide data on the histogenesis, we investigated the lesional area of acquired melanocytic nevi and the proliferative activity of the nevus cells.


METHODS
Proliferative activity was examined with a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The lesional area of the nevus was estimated in histologic sections.


RESULTS
Intradermal nevus was the largest of the acquired melanocytic nevi but had few PCNA-positive nevus cells. In contrast, junctional nevi were smallest and showed the highest PCNA positivity. Statistical analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between the largest lesional area and PCNA positivity.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the present study are in accordance with an epidermal melanocytic origin of acquired melanocytic nevi.
Tokuda
Y
Y
Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
Saida
T
T
Mukai
K
K
Takasaki
Y
Y
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009506:Nevus / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D018330:Nevus, Intradermal / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen