Immunohistochemical analysis of procathepsin L and cathepsin B in cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma.
BACKGROUND
The expression of the proteinases cathepsins L and B are induced in tumors by malignant transformation, growth factors, and tumor promoters suggesting they play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis.


METHODS
By immunohistochemistry, procathepsin L and cathepsin B were studied in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from 29 cases of KS (AIDS-associated KS, n = 24; non-AIDS-associated KS, n = 5) were immunolabeled with the polyclonal antibody directed against procathepsin L and the antisera directed against cathepsin B.


RESULTS
Normal epidermis, eccrine sweat glands, and hair follicle expressed both cathepsins. We also found a positive staining for procathepsin L in normal blood vessels. In both "angiomatous" and "fibroblastic" lesions of KS no expression of these enzymes was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the hypothesis of a benign autochthonous origin of the lesions, such as a hyperplasia.
Thewes
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
Engst
R
R
Jürgens
M
M
Borelli
S
S
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002401:Cathepsin B / Q000378:metabolism*; D056668:Cathepsin L; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004792:Enzyme Precursors / Q000378:metabolism*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
D004792:Enzyme Precursors; D002403:Cathepsins; C063905:procathepsin L; D002401:Cathepsin B; D056668:Cathepsin L