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Birthmark Causes of Hemangiomas of Infancy

Hemangiomas of infancy consist of collections of endothelial cells. The origin of these endothelial cells is being investigated. It is known that in typical hemangiomas of infancy the endothelial cells will show immunohistochemical staining with a special marker referred to as glucose transporter one (Glut-1). Glut-1 is a marker of placental origin, leading investigators to speculate that endothelial cells seen in hemangiomas of infancy arise from the placenta.

Endothelial cell surface proteins change during the different growth phases. The growth and involution of hemangiomas of infancy are thought to occur in a programmed and ordered manner (apoptosis).