Pathological and immunohistochemical study
of superficial stromal cells
of the lower female genital tract
Á. Kondi-Pafitis, K. Kontogianni,
M. Fragou, K. Sikiotis, M. Salamalekis
Department of Pathology and 2nd Dept. Of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
Areteion Hospital, Athens University, Greece
Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the immunopathological
characteristics of specialized stromal cells of the lower female
genital tract.
Material and Methods: Eleven cases of fibroepithelial
polyps of vagina, 20 cases of fibroepithelial polyps of cervix,
20 specimens of cervices with CIN or Carcinoma and 25 cases of
normal cervices are investigated. All cases were investigated
by a streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical method for the presence
of desmin, vimentin, SMA, myoblobin, EMA, S-100, Keratins, collagen
IV, hormone receptors and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT).
Results: Stromal cells reacted with vimentin and collagen
IV antiserum in all cases of fibroepithelial polyps. Desmin reactivity
was detected in individually scattered spindle stromal cells.
Conclusions: Our immunohistochemical study suggests that
the stromal cells of the lower female genital tract are characteristic
special hormone-sensitive cells with a myoid component of differentiation.
The cell attachments to each other and to bundles of collagen
suggest a potential for a physiologic role in tissue contractility.
Key words: Stromal cells, polyps, vagina, cervix, immunohistochemistry.
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