E-cadherin expression in canine cutaneous histiocytomas
- S. J. Baines, MA, VetMB, PhD, CertVR, CertSAS, DipECVS, MRCVS1,
- E. F. McInnes, BVSc, MRCPath, PhD, MRCVS1 and
- I. McConnell, BVM&S, MA, PhD, FRCPath, FRSE, MRCVS1
- 1 Centre for Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES
- Dr Baines' present address is Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA
Abstract
Canine cutaneous histiocytoma is a common skin tumour of Langerhans cell origin. Langerhans cells are members of the dendritic cell family of antigen-presenting cells and are located in the epidermis. They are unique among the dendritic cell lineage in that they express high levels of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin. The expression of E-cadherin by the neoplastic Langerhans cells in 37 dogs with cutaneous histiocytoma was studied by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In all the cases, these cells expressed E-cadherin, whereas the infiltrating lymphocytes did not.
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