Kneitz Hermann, Frings Verena, Kircher Stefan, Goebeler Matthias
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
Department of Pathology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
Dermatopathology (Basel). 2023 Jun 16;10(2):184-192. doi: 10.3390/dermatopathology10020026.
Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare neoplasms of Schwann cell origin occurring in the skin and in other organs. The etiopathogenesis of GCT is yet poorly understood. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most broadly expressed gap junction protein in humans, the tumoral role of which has been investigated in several types of tumors. Its role in GCT of the skin, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract is as yet unknown.
Herein, we present a study on the immunohistochemical expression of Cx43 in GCT of the skin ( = 15), tongue ( = 4) and esophagus ( = 3). Immunolabeling was scored positive (weak (+), moderate (++) or strong (+++)).
Cx43 was expressed by all cases of GCT of the skin, tongue and esophagus (22/22), showing moderate to strong staining. All tissue sections of GCT were characterized by a diffuse, cytoplasmic staining pattern of the tumor cells. None of those showed membranous or nuclear staining.
Our results suggest that Cx43 probably plays an important role in the development of this rare tumor entity.
颗粒细胞瘤（GCT）是一种起源于施万细胞的罕见肿瘤，可发生于皮肤和其他器官。GCT的病因发病机制尚不清楚。连接蛋白43（Cx43）是人类中表达最广泛的间隙连接蛋白，其在几种肿瘤类型中的肿瘤作用已得到研究。其在皮肤、口腔和胃肠道GCT中的作用尚不清楚。
在此，我们展示了一项关于Cx43在皮肤GCT（n = 15）、舌（n = 4）和食管（n = 3）中的免疫组化表达的研究。免疫标记评分呈阳性（弱（+）、中度（++）或强（+++））。
皮肤、舌和食管的所有GCT病例（22/22）均表达Cx43，呈中度至强染色。GCT的所有组织切片均以肿瘤细胞弥漫性胞质染色模式为特征。这些均未显示膜性或核染色。
我们的结果表明，Cx43可能在这种罕见肿瘤实体的发生发展中起重要作用。
