Merkel cell carcinoma induces lymphatic microvessel formation - 13/07/12
Abstract |
Background |
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly malignant neuroendocrine tumor of the skin characterized by frequent lymphatic metastasis.
Objective |
We sought to identify lymphovascular anatomy and expression profiles of lymphangiogenic cytokines to give an opinion on lymphangiogenesis in MCC.
Methods |
We studied lymphatic microanatomy and lymphangiogenic cytokines in 27 MCC by immunohistology or immunofluorescence (D2-40, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor [LYVE-1], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] receptor-3, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, Ki67/MiB-1, CD68/PG-M1, CD68/KP1, CD163), Merkel cell polyomavirus–specific polymerase chain reaction, and coanalysis with clinical and histologic data.
Results |
We found a more than 3-fold increase in the mean density of absolute numbers of small lymphatic capillaries (diameter <10 μm) and a more than 8-fold increase in the median ratio of the number of small to large lymphatics (<10/≥10 μm) paratumorally compared with intraindividual controls. VEGF-C+CD68+ CD163+ cells (interpreted as M2 macrophages) could be identified as an important potentially lymphangiogenesis-inducing cell type.
Limitations |
Partially lacking follow-up data limited the analysis of the prognostic impact.
Conclusions |
Our findings strongly indicate lymphangiogenesis in MCC driven by VEGF-C+CD68+ CD163+ M2 macrophages.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic microvessel density, lymphatic vessel, Merkel cell carcinoma, Merkel cell polyomavirus, tumor-associated macrophages
Abbreviations used : BCC, FITC, HPF, ICT, LMV, LMVD, LYVE, MCC, MCPyV, MMAH, SCC, TTF, TRITC, VEGF, VEGFR
Plan
The first two authors contributed equally to this work. |
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Supported by grants from the Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) 107783. This organization had no involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. |
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Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 67 - N° 2
P. 215-225 - août 2012 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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