Stains & CD markers
Thrombomodulin (CD141)
Copyright: 2003-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Thrombomodulin[title]
Thrombomodulin (CD141)
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 June 2005
Last staff update: 12 August 2021
Copyright: 2003-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Thrombomodulin[title]
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Interpretation | Uses by pathologists | Positive staining - normal | Positive staining - tumors | Negative stainingCite this page: Pernick N. Thrombomodulin. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainsthrombomodulin.html. Accessed June 10th, 2023.
Definition / general
- Also called CD141
- 75kD transmembrane glycoprotein and cofactor for the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C
- Marker of mesotheliomas, endothelial cells and coagulation factor
- Important fibrinolytic inhibitor, as it decreases the activation of plasminogen to plasmin
- Critical for activation of protein C and initiation of the protein C anticoagulant pathway
- Plasma CD141 levels are associated with endothelial damage
Interpretation
- Membranous staining pattern, often focal (cytoplasmic staining may be artifactual)
Uses by pathologists
- Mesothelioma vs. lung adenocarcinoma: 64% sensitive, 95% specific for mesotheliomas, but must exclude vasculature; often membranous staining of periphery with isolated papilla; negative staining in sarcomatoid mesotheliomas; considered to have a "secondary" role as other markers are better (Hum Pathol 2002;33:953)
- Urothelial carcinomas (positive) vs. renal cell, prostate, endometrial or colonic carcinomas (Am J Surg Pathol 2001;25:1380)
- Squamous cell carcinomas (positive) (Am J Clin Pathol 1998;110:385, Am J Surg Pathol 2003;27:150)
Positive staining - normal
- Endothelial cells, megakaryocytes, keratinocytes, mesothelial cells, monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, smooth muscle cells, syncytiotrophoblasts, synovial lining cells, urothelium
Positive staining - tumors
- Mesothelioma (epithelioid), squamous cell carcinomas, trophoblastic tumors, urothelial carcinomas, vascular tumors (including angiosarcoma), synovial sarcoma (diffusely positive in 10%, Am J Surg Pathol 2001;25:610)
Negative staining
- Adenocarcinoma of colon, endometrium, kidney, lung (usually), prostate; sarcomatoid mesothelioma
