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  • Title: Differential expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM), neural CAM and epithelial cadherin in ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors.
    Author: Figarella-Branger D, Lepidi H, Poncet C, Gambarelli D, Bianco N, Rougon G, Pellissier JF.
    Journal: Acta Neuropathol; 1995; 89(3):248-57. PubMed ID: 7754745.
    Abstract:
    A series of frozen specimens of 18 ependymomas and 7 choroid plexus tumors were examined for their expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), its polysialylated isoforms (PSA NCAM), and epithelial (E-) cadherin, and of intermediate filament proteins, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cytokeratin, using various monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Normal choroid plexus and ependyma were taken as controls. Anti-E-cadherin immunoreactivity was observed on the basolateral part of most adult choroid plexus and benign choroid plexus papilloma cells. However, a small number of atypical papillomas and carcinoma cells showed anti- E-cadherin immunoreactivity throughout their cell surface membrane. NCAM were not expressed by adult choroid plexus and benign papilloma cells. Only a few cells expressed NCAM and PSA NCAM in developing choroid plexus, atypical papillomas and carcinomas. Cytokeratin expression was always observed in choroid plexus and their tumors; GFAP expression was variable from case to case. In contrast, ependymal cells and their tumors never expressed E-cadherin but strongly expressed NCAM. PSA NCAM was found in ependymomas exhibiting anaplastic features. All ependymomas strongly expressed GFAP and a few demonstrated slight expression of cytokeratin. These data suggest that, besides GFAP and cytokeratin, NCAM and E-cadherin are of potential diagnostic value in distinguishing choroid plexus tumors from ependymomas. E-cadherin and NCAM may play a role in the functional organization of normal choroid plexus and ependyma, respectively. In particular, incomplete or irregular anti-E-cadherin expression in choroid plexus tumors and PSA NCAM immunoreativity in ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors correlates with the emergence of anaplastic histological features.
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