Differences in the expression of mucins in various forms of cystitis glandularis

Abstract

A wide spectrum of glandular epithelial metaplastic changes may be seen in the bladder. Cystitis glandularis (CG) is a well-known metaplastic lesion occurring in the presence of chronic inflammation, but there are a few data about mucin expression in its two subtypes (typical and intestinal). The purpose of the present study was to determine the expression of mucin core proteins and CD10 in the different types of CG. For this examination, we used a panel of monoclonal-specific antibodies for MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6. CG of the intestinal type expressed MUC5AC both in goblet and columnar cells, and strongly expressed intestinal mucin MUC2 only in goblet cells in all cases. There was no expression of MUC1, MUC6, and CD10 in the metaplastic cells. CG of the typical type showed an expression of MUC1 similar to normal urothelium, but the CD10 expression was more intensive than in the control. The mucin expression profile in the different types of CG allows the identification of "gastric mucin" (MUC5AC) together with intestinal mucin (MUC2), while typical CG (CGTP) retains MUC1. Different and contrasting immunoprofiles were evident in various forms of CG. The absence of CD 10 in CG of the intestinal type is a finding that points towards an incomplete form of urinary bladder metaplasia.