Immunohistochemical investigation of ??1 (IV) and ??5 (IV) collagen chains in a broad spectrum of melanocytic tumours

Abstract

We report the expression of alpha1 (IV) and alpha5 (IV) collagen chains in naevi and MM. The inconsistent staining pattern for alpha1 (IV) collagen chain in phenotypically atypical melanocytomas and in MM highlight the heterogeneity in both cell differentiation and stroma-tumour interactions. This biological aspect may be related to neoplastic progression and influence metastatic potential.