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.

Diagnostic utility

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

References

¹Leong, 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.

This page last revised 19.1.2002.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop