Immunohistochemical Observation of Tenascin in Human Veins

Abstract

Tenascin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein having elasticity associated with embryonic morphogenesis and tissue remodeling. The expression of tenascin was investigated immunohisto-chemically in normal human veins (internal jugular, pulmonary, portal, great saphenous vein, and inferior vena cava) and veins under pathologic conditions (varicose saphenous vein and portal vein with liver cirrhosis). Tenascin expression was detected from newborn or young age except for portal veins, and was increased until middle age. In old age groups, tenascin expression in the portal vein was decreased, but such alterations in other veins were not prominent.

Tenascin expression was mainly present around smooth muscle cells in all examined venous walls. Among then, strong staining was detected in the walls of great saphenous and varicose vein. These results indicate that tenascin is associated with maintenance and remodeling of the venous wall and also may function as a lubricator for the characteristic distensibility of the veins, as well as a defense against invaded blood substances through the venous wall.