Abstract:
Background
A comprehensive understanding of the histological and immunological landscape of the normal aging breast is
crucial for establishing a baseline to differentiate physiological from pathological changes. This study aimed to perform
a detailed characterization of the morphological features and immune cell landscape in normal postmenopausal
breast tissue, providing foundational data for comparative pathology.
Material and methods
The study was conducted on 30 normal breast tissue samples obtained from women aged 50 to 86, who died of
accidental causes. The analysis involved standard histopathology (HE) and a comprehensive immunohistochemical
panel for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), immune and immune – angiogenic markers (CD3,
CD4, CD8, CD34, CD45, CD56, CD68).
Results
Histological examination revealed characteristic age-related changes, including periductal fibrosis (50%), glandular
involution (36.7%) and increased stromal connective tissue (46.7%). Immunohistochemistry revealed a distinct
topographical distribution of immune cells, with T helper (CD4+) and NK (CD56+) cells predominantly localized
in the epithelial compartment, while CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were more evenly distributed. Angiogenesis
(CD34+) was observed exclusively in the periductal stroma. ER and PR were expressed in luminal epithelial cells.
Conclusions
The postmenopausal breast gland undergoes significant morphological and immunological remodeling. This
study offers a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative characterization of the normal tissue microenvironment,
essential for the correct interpretation of pathological findings in breast diseases during aging.
