Abstract
A histologic and immunohistochemical study was performed to identify the histogenesis of solid cell nests (SCN), which were found incidentally in 11 thyroid glands obtained by surgery. Histologically, SCN consisted of small nests showing solid and cystic structures. Cystic features of SCN were found in 3 of the 11 cases (27%), with mucinous materials in their lumens. Some goblet cells were also present in three cases (27%). In one case, SCN were associated with lymphocyte aggregation. Immunohistochemical analysis using serial sections of the SCN showed that the cells comprising SCN were positive for calcitonin in 5 cases (45%), for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detected using polyclonal antibody in 11 (100%), for CEA detected using monoclonal antibody in 3 (27%), for calcitonin gene related peptide in 2 (18%), for chromogranin A in 5 (45%), and for keratin in 11 (100%). These antigens were expressed concomitantly in the same SCN, but the number and distribution of the positive cells for the antigens were different for each antigen in the same SCN in each case. These findings strongly support the view that SCN are derived from the ultimobranchial body. In addition, the biologic function to produce the antigens may vary greatly in individual cells comprising SCN.
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