Exploration of the histogenesis of congenital granular cell epulis: an immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Objective: Congenital granular cell epulis is a benign soft tissue lesion of the neonate that arises from the alveolar ridges of the jaws in newborns. The aim of this study is to define the histogenesis of congenital granular cell epulis by using several immunohistochemical markers.

Materials and methods: A series of six cases of congenital granular cell epulis were immunostained with a panel of antibodies (NSE, CD68, CD99, Mesothelin, Inhibin-a, GFAP, Dystrophin, NGFR/p75 and TLR1). The percentage of positive cells was measured in the form of area percent using an image analysis software (Leica- Qwin) system. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare between means of positive immunostaining antibodies.

Results: Granular cells of all cases showed positive cytoplasmic immunostaining for NSE and CD68. The interstitial cells of five cases showed immunopositivity for CD99. Granular and interstitial cells in all cases were negative with the remaining antibodies. The immunoreactivity of the granular cells to NSE showed the statistically significantly highest mean area percent. This was followed by CD68 which showed lower values. The immunoreactivity of the interstitial cells to CD99 showed the statistically significantly lowest mean area percent.

Conclusion: The expression of NSE and CD99 in all cases of the present study support a neuroectodermal derivation of congenital granular cell epulis.