Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy and Langerhans cell histiocytosis express the cellular adhesion molecule CD31.

Context.-We investigated expression of the adhesion molecule CD31 in sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) because (1) SHML and LCH cells express a variety of cellular adhesion molecules and (2) SHML has been characterized as a reactive histiocytic proliferation, and tissue macrophages (histiocytes) are known to express CD31. Objective.-The purpose of this study was to determine whether SHML and LCH cells express CD31 and whether dual staining with CD31 and S100 facilitates diagnosis of these disease states. Methods.-Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissues were immunohistochemically stained via the labeled streptavidin-biotin method using antibodies against CD31 and S100 protein after heat-induced epitope retrieval. Archival tissues included SHML (n = 2), LCH (n = 10), malignant melanoma (n = 5), sinus hyperplasia (n = 4), granulomas (n = 4), granular cell tumor (n = 6), and normal skin (n = 4). Results.-Normal Langerhans cells in the epidermis were CD31(-)/S100(+); neoplastic Langerhans cells in LCH were CD31(+)/S100(+). Histiocytes in granulomas and in sinus hyperplasia were CD31(+)/S100(-); abnormal histiocytes in SHML were CD31(+)/S100(+). S100(+) tumors (malignant melanoma and granular cell tumor) were CD31(-). Conclusions.-The spectrum of cell types that express CD31 is expanded to include SHML and LCH. We speculate that up-regulation of CD31 in neoplastic Langerhans cells contributes to the migratory capability of LCH cells. CD31 may be a useful nonlysosomal marker of macrophages and their neoplastic counterparts (true histiocytic sarcomas). An immunohistochemical staining panel that includes CD31 and S100 facilitates the diagnosis of SHML and LCH.