Differential expression of markers in extensive and restricted Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)

[摘要] Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) represents a poorly defined pathologic entity characterized by diverse clinical appearence and falling into two major categories namely a restricted and an extensive disease. Since the outcome and the course of the disease is variable, we postulated that this might be reflected by the phenotype of the Langer-hans cells. We have selected 11 adult restricted cases and 10 extensive childhood cases and compared the phenotype of LCH cells by immunohisto-chemistry on paraffin sections. Morphometric analysis indicated a significantly higher expression of histiocytic (CD68, S-100, lysozyme) markers in the adult restricted cases compared to the extensive form of the disease. Both groups were equally positive for LCH marker CD1a and negative for T cell marker CD4. On the other hand, HLA-DR expression was significantly higher in LCH cells of the extensive childhood cases suggesting higher activation. These data suggest that LCH cells have a different phenotype in the extensive childhood and restricted adult LCH where the latter is characterized by a more differentiated histiocytic phenotype.

[学科分类] 生理学与病理学

[关键词] immunohistochemistry