Stains & CD markers
CD31



Last author update: 1 May 2013
Last staff update: 23 October 2023

Copyright: 2002-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

PubMed Search: CD31 [title]

Lauren N. Stuart, M.D., M.B.A.
Page views in 2023: 17,290
Page views in 2024 to date: 3,492
Cite this page: Stuart L. CD31. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/cdmarkerscd31.html. Accessed March 19th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Cell adhesion molecule required for leukocyte transendothelial migration under most inflammatory conditions
  • Most sensitive and specific endothelial marker in paraffin sections
Terminology
  • Also known as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM1, OMIM 173445), PECA1, GPIIA, endoCAM, CD31 / EndoCAM (Entrez Gene: platelet / endothelial cell adhesion molecule)
Pathophysiology
  • Member of immunoglobulin superfamily
  • Ligands are CD38 and vitronectin receptor (αvβ3 integrin, CD51 / CD61) (Cancer 2003;97:1914, J Cell Biol 1995;130:451)
  • Cell adhesion molecule that is found on the surface of platelets, monocytes, neutrophils and some types of T cells
  • Major constituent of endothelial intercellular junction
  • Plays a key role in leukocyte trafficking across endothelium / transendothelial migration (Blood 2003;101:2816) and integrin activation
  • Also important for angiogenesis and removal of aged neutrophils from body
  • May mediate signal-transduction pathway regulating capacitation in spermatozoa (J Cell Sci 2005;118:4865)
  • May act as a minor histocompatibility antigen in HLA identical stem cell transplantation (Bone Marrow Transplant 2005;36:151)
Clinical features
  • CD31+ T cells (angiogenic T cells) have vasculoprotective and neovasculogenic qualities; undergo numerical and functional impairments with advancing age (J Appl Physiol 2010;109:1756)
  • CD31+ Annexin V+ circulating microparticles are risk factor for cardiovascular disease (Eur Heart J 2011;32:2034)
Interpretation
  • Membranous (not cytoplasmic) immunostain; endothelium is a positive internal control
  • Potential pitfall: don't confuse CD31+ macrophages (granular, membranous expression) with a vascular tumor (Am J Surg Pathol 2001;25:1167)
Uses by pathologists
Microscopic (histologic) images

Cases #107, 187, 77
Missing Image Missing Image

Retiform hemangioendothelioma

Missing Image

Kidney, glomus tumor

Missing Image

Epithelioid
hemangioendothelioma



Images hosted on other servers:

Normal structure:
Missing Image

Glomeruli (fig A)

Missing Image

Alveoli (fig A)

Missing Image

Spleen (fig A)

Missing Image

Liver (fig A)

Missing Image

Lymph nodes (fig A)

Missing Image

Skin (fig A)



Benign vascular tumors / processes:
Missing Image

Skin - diffuse dermal angiomatosis

Missing Image

Skin - epithelioid hemangioma


Malignant vascular tumors:
Missing Image

Kaposi sarcoma

Missing Image

Paratesticular



Lymphovascular invasion:
Missing Image

Breast

Missing Image

Colorectal carcinoma

Missing Image

Uterus, endometrial carcinoma
stage I

Missing Image

Uterine leiomyosarcoma

Positive staining - normal
Positive staining - disease
Negative staining
Back to top
Image 01 Image 02