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Distribution of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1‐positive stem cells in benign mammary tissue from women with and without breast cancer
Author(s) -
Isfoss Björn L,
Holmqvist Bo,
Alm Per,
Olsson Håkan
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
histopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.626
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1365-2559
pISSN - 0309-0167
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2011.04109.x
Subject(s) - stromal cell , breast cancer , stem cell , cancer stem cell , aldehyde dehydrogenase , pathology , cancer , biology , medicine , cancer research , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , enzyme , biochemistry
Isfoss B L, Holmqvist B, Alm P & Olsson H
(2012) Histopathology 60, 617–633
Distribution of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1‐positive stem cells in benign mammary tissue from women with and without breast cancer Aims: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) in female breast tissue has been linked to stem cells, but little is known about the benign cellular organization in situ . We investigated the distribution of ALDH1‐immunoreactive (ALDH1+) cells in histomorphologically benign breast tissue from 28 women with or without breast cancer. Methods and results: ALDH1+ cells were detected in benign tissue of women aged 20–72 years, located most commonly at the luminal and intermediate ductular levels and in the stroma. ALDH1+ cell populations and Ki67+ cell populations were present in separate ductules, both cell types rarely showing epithelial differentiation. ALDH1+ cells were non‐reactive to Ki67 and oestrogen receptor. Stromal round/oval ALDH1+ non‐leukocyte cells in both age groups expressed contractile protein. There was a lower concentration of luminal and intermediate ductular ALDH1+ cells in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women, and in cancer patients than in non‐cancer patients, and a higher concentration in women receiving exogenous hormones. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence for the stem cell character of ALDH1+ cells, here in benign breast tissue of cancer and non‐cancer patients throughout non‐lactating adult life, and contributes evidence of benign stromal ALDH1+ cells. The distribution of ductular ALDH1+ stem cells appears to be influenced by hormonal status.