Cutaneous squamoproliferative lesions in kidney transplant recipients: an investigation of specific Epstein-Barr virus expression.
In a previous report we demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas from heart transplant recipients. In a comparative study, skin lesions from renal allograft recipients were investigated for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus. Thirty cutaneous squamoproliferative lesions from 10 kidney transplant recipients were examined for Epstein-Barr virus-specific gene expression. The techniques used for detection were polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Epstein-Barr virus DNA was not detected by polymerase chain reaction in the neoplasias, and only single Epstein-Barr virus-positive carcinoma cells were shown by in situ hybridization in three cases of infiltrative squamous cell carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry for Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 showed a negative result in all samples. These findings differ from our earlier investigations of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas from heart transplant recipients where Epstein-Barr virus expressions were common. This may indicate that the part Epstein-Barr virus plays in the development of post-transplant, cutaneous squamoproliferative disorders is related to type of organ transplantation and/or grade of immunosuppression.
Ternesten-Bratel
Annika
A
Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. annika.ternesten@path.gu.se
Kjellström
Christer
C
Wennberg
Ann-Marie
AM
Ricksten
Anne
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*
D004279:DNA, Viral