Cytokeratins Flashcards
Where are keratin intermediate filaments found?
All epithelial cells and in neoplasms derived from epithelial origin
Keratin positivity is a marker for which type of cancer?
Carcinoma
What are the two subdivisions of keratins based on?
Isoelectric pH
Molecular weight
What two classifications can keratins be grouped into?
Acidic - type A
Basic - type B
Epithelium contains at least two of what?
Cytokeratins
Based on the cytokeratin present in the tissue, what information can be obtained?
The location of the primary tumor
The acidic group of cytokeratins is what type of molecular weight?
Lower molecular weight
The basic groups of cytokeratins are what types of molecular weight?
High molecular weight
The differential expression of cytokeratins can be used to classify what?
Poorly differentiated metastatic tumors where there is no known primary site
What type of staining do cytokeratins present?
Cytoplasmic staining, usually diffuse and strong
