MELANOCYTIC ACTIVATION IN HIV-1 DISEASE - HMB-45 STAINING IN COMMON ACQUIRED NEVI

Background: An increase in pigmented lesions has been reported in HIV- 1-infected patients. In a study of HIV-1-positive patients, we have se en patients who noticed new or changing Pigmented lesions. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine to what degree these pigmented lesions showed evidence of significant melanocytic proliferation as o pposed to increased pigment production without significant melanocytic proliferation. Methods: Biopsy specimens were studied with routine li ght microscopy and immunohistochemical stains including S-100 protein, HMB-45, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Results: The lesions included two malignant melanomas and 42 benign melanocytic lesions. Si gnificant staining of dermal melanocytes with HMB-45 was present in tw o of three melanomas and in 19 of 42 nevi. With stains for proliferati ng cell nuclear antigen there was a positive reaction in the dermal co mponent of both melanomas and a negative reaction in the dermal cells of the nevi. Conclusion: In some HIV-1-infected patients there is stim ulation of melanosome production without significant melanocyte prolif eration.