Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Markers for Human Eccrine and Apocrine Sweat Glands: An Aid for Histopathologic Differentiation of Sweat Gland Tumors

The paper reviewed histochemical and immunohistochemical markers to differentiate between apocrine and eccrine sweat glands, which is crucial for identifying sweat gland tumors. Key markers for apocrine glands included neuraminidase-sensitive anionic sites, mitochondrion-like secretory granules with EGF-like antigenicity, and antibodies against a 70 kDa glycoprotein from human milk fat globule membranes. Eccrine gland markers included dark cell granules with chondroitinase ABC-sensitive anionic sites and high alkaline phosphatase activity. Both gland types expressed CEA, GCDFP-15, and were stained by anti-EMA monoclonal antibody (E29). The study aimed to aid in the histopathologic differentiation of sweat gland tumors and enhance understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of these glands.