Factor XIIIa

Factor XIII is a proenzyme with a role in blood coagulation.

Immunohistochemical expression

• megakaryocytes

• monocyte/macrophages

• dendritic reticulum cells in reactive lymph nodes

• dermal dendrocytes.

• fibroblast-like mesenchymal cells

• It was at one time thought that factor XIIIa is produced by hepatocytes. This suggestion was probably based on the use of inappropriate concentrations of antisera1. It is present in Kupffer cells.

• fibrohistocytic lesions including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

• Neurofibroma but negative in Schwannoma and neurotised melanocytic naevi:

Diagnostic utility

• Identification of fibrohistiocytic lesions, including benign fibrous histiocytomas and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

• Differentiation of neurofibroma from neurotised melanocytic naevus.

References

1 Leong, A. S., Sormunen, R. T., Tsui, W. M., Liew, C. T. Hep Par 1 and selected antibodies in the immunohistological distinction of hepatocellular carcinoma from cholangiocarcinoma, combined tumours and metastatic carcinoma. Histopathology 1998;33:318-324.

2 Gray MH, Smoller BR, McNutt NS, et al. Immunohistochemical demonstration of factor XIIIa expression in neurofibromas. A practical means of differentiating these tumors from neurotized melanocytic nevi and schwannomas. Arch Dermatol 1990; 126:472-6

This page last revised 24.5.2008.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop