Immunoprofile of Endocervical and Endometrial Stromal Cells and Its Potential Application in Localization of Tumor Involvement

Abstract

To evaluate and compare the immunophenotype of endocervical and endometrial stromal cells and to asses its potential application in tumor localization. Paraffin sections of benign endocervix (n = 24), benign endometrium (n = 33), endocervical adenocarcinoma (n = 9), endometrial carcinoma (n = 13), and endometrial hyperplasia (n = 16) were stained with antibodies to CD10, Wilms Tumor-1, CD34, smooth muscle actin, and factor XIIIa by immunohistochemistry. In 16 cases, lower uterine segment was also available. Immunoreactivity of stromal cells was recorded as positive (>/=50% staining), focally positive (>/=5%-<50%) or negative (<5%). Endocervical stromal cells (ECSC) in either benign or malignant cervical epithelial lesions were predominantly CD34/CD10 (CD34 dominant immunophenotype). Endometrial stromal cells (EMSCs) in either benign or malignant epithelial lesions were primarily CD34/CD10 (CD10 dominant immunophenotype). Expression of Wilms Tumor-1 was decreased in EMSC of the EMCA when compared to their counterpart in endometrial hyperplasia. There was no differential expression of smooth muscle actin and factor XIIIa identified between ECSC and EMSC. The immunophenotypes of the ECSC and EMSC overlapped in the lower uterine segment. The functional status of the endometrium had no effect on the immunoprofile. The pattern of CD34 and CD10 immunostaining in stromal cells might be helpful in determining tumor involvement in uterine and cervical sites.