Abstract | BACKGROUND: It is not clear why melanocyte disappearance occurs without fibrotic evolution in halo nevus and with fibrotic evolution in regressing melanoma. METHODS: Six halo nevi, seven regressing primary melanomas, and seven primary melanoma (PM) without regression were studied using immunohistochemistry for the phenotype of inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of cytokines involved in fibrogenesis or macrophage regulation. Melanocytes were also evaluated using electron microscopy. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Fibrogenic cytokines were more frequently expressed in melanoma than in halo nevus, irrespective of regression. At ultrastructural level, melanocytes showed a more activated status in regressing melanoma than in halo nevus, in compliance with a milieu richer in cytokines. Although the cytokine microenvironment does not completely justify the fibrotic evolution in regressing PM, the higher TNF-alpha expression in halo nevus suggests a possible role in nonfibrotic evolution of this lesion.
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Authors | Silvia Moretti, Adelina Spallanzani, Cinzia Pinzi, Francesca Prignano, Paolo Fabbri |
Journal | Journal of cutaneous pathology
(J Cutan Pathol)
Vol. 34
Issue 4
Pg. 301-8
(Apr 2007)
ISSN: 0303-6987 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17381800
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- Cytokines
(biosynthesis)
- Female
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Melanocytes
(ultrastructure)
- Melanoma
(immunology, pathology)
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Middle Aged
- Nevus, Pigmented
(immunology, pathology)
- Skin Neoplasms
(immunology, pathology)
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