Cytokeratin 19 (RM364), RMab

Summary and Explanation

Cytokeratin 19 is a Type I cytokeratin. Unlike its related family members, this smallest-known acidic cytokeratin is not paired with a basic cytokeratin in epithelial cells. It is specifically found in the periderm, the transiently-superficial layer that envelopes the developing epidermis.

Cytokeratin 19 antibody reacts with a wide variety of epithelium and epithelial malignancies including Adenocar-cinomas of the colon, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract, liver and breast. Perhaps the most useful application is the identification of Thyroid Carcinoma of the papillary type, although Follicular Carcinoma is also labeled by this antibody approximately 50-60% of the time. Cytokeratin 19 is not expressed in hepatocytes; therefore, this antibody is useful in the identification of liver metastasis. The degree of Cytokeratin 19 positivity in Breast Cancer distinguishes malignant from benign tumors. Cytokeratin 19 is often coexpressed with Cytokeratin 7.