Distribution of CD1a dendritic cell density in benign and malignant lesions of human cervix – An immunohistochemical study

Kalpana Ramachandran

Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research (BIHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

Dendritic cells, the potent antigen presenting cells, originate from the bone marrow cells and are mostly seen in the lymphoid organs of the human body. Their main purpose is to induct T-helper immune responses whenever they come across an antigenic stimulus. The presence of dendritic cells in the human cervix evoked interest in many researchers to assess their locations, distribution in cervix and to analyze their actual contribution to host immune system. In our present study, we have analyzed the actual distribution of CD1a positive dendritic cells in the benign, premalignant and malignant lesions of the human cervix. This prospective analysis was done on cervical tissue taken from hysterectomy specimens or from cervical punch biopsies. A total of 30 specimens were included in the study. The number and distribution of the dendritic cells in each of the specimens per high power field was calculated. Bleeding per vaginum was the most common presentation. Chronic non-specific cervicitis constituted the most common histological variety. The mean age at presentation was 44.7 years. The mean dendritic cells per high power field in the benign (including pre-malignant) and the malignant tissues were 9.3 and 5.8 cells respectively (p+0.0001). An overall increase in the number and distribution of dendritic cells were found in benign than in malignant tissues.

Keywords:

Immunohistochemistry, Dendritic Cells, Carcinoma, Cervix