Telocytes (interstitial Cajal-like cells) in human Fallopian tubes

BACKGROUND: Telocytes represent a relatively newly discovered population of cells found within the various tissues and organs, including Fallopian tubes. It is presumed that telocytes could serve as a sensor of hormone levels or regulate activity of muscle peristaltic movement. METHODS: Tissue sections from anatomically different parts of Fallopian tubes of 48 women (age 48.8 +/- 9.1) were stained for the expression of five different antigens: c-kit (CD117), CD34, vimentin, podoplanin (D2-40) and Dog-1. RESULTS: Telocytes form a network associated with the smooth muscle cells. From the mentioned antibodies, only anti-c-kit (CD117) seems to be relatively selective specific to the telocytes, others react also with numerous other cells and tissue structures. Our results when using antibodies against podoplanin and Dog-1 are in dissonance with recent literature with regards to our results, they are not suitable for detection of telocytes. CONCLUSION: Methods of immunohistochemistry are suitable for identification of telocytes in Fallopian tubes. C-kit (CD117) antigens are useful for routine identification of telocytes in histological sections. This antigen can be combined with CD34 or vimentin in cases of double staining immunohistochemistry (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 44). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.