title: [Activation of epidermal melanocytes is independent of epithelial proliferation and vascularization. Immunohistologic study using HMB-45 antibody with review of the literature].
abstract: Antibodies against HMB-45 antigen are widely used in the immunohistochemical investigation of melanocytic tumours as a marker of activation. While malignant transformation is one explanation for HMB-45 expression, we searched for other factors by investigating 252 biopsies of non-melanocytic skin lesions with 21 different diagnoses for the presence of HMB-45, using both single and double staining techniques. Epidermal melanocytes in lesions with an increased epithelial proliferation-either neoplastic or reactive-and lesions with a prominent vasculature showed an enhanced expression of HMB-45. The results indicate that the presence of HMB-45 is not only influenced by primary melanocytic changes but also may be dependent on epithelial proliferation and vascular factors. These mechanisms should be considered when interpreting HMB-45 staining of melanocytic lesions.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinischen Universität zu Lübeck.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lommel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tronnier
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Wolff
mesh_terms: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins
vernacular_title: Aktivierung epidermaler Melanozyten ist abhängig von epithelialer Proliferation und Vaskularisierung. Immunhistologische Studie unter Verwendung des HMB-45-Antikörpers mit Literaturübersicht.