Expression of transforming growth factor-alpha in the normal cervix and in benign and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and distribution of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) in the normal cervix and in benign and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.


METHODS
Immuno-histochemical reactivity with a monoclonal antibody against TGF-alpha was examined in tissue specimens from 15 normal cervices, six cervical polyps, four cervical condylomata acuminata, 34 cervical intra-epithelial neoplasias, 35 invasive squamous cell carcinomas, five adenocarcinomas, and three mixed adenosquamous carcinomas.


RESULTS
Normal squamous cells of the exocervix were found to be negative for TGF-alpha immunoreactivity, whereas reserve cells and metaplastic squamous cells in the transformation zone were positive for TGF-alpha. Although TGF-alpha immuno-reactivity was variable in the cervical condylomas, most cases of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia with or without koilocytotic atypia were negative for TGF-alpha. In the invasive carcinomas, however, TGF-alpha immuno-reactivity was observed in 17 out of the 35 cases of squamous carcinoma, and in all cases of adeno- and adenosquamous carcinomas. In addition, intense TGF-alpha immuno-reactivity was found in clinically advanced tumours.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the expression of TGF-alpha is associated with squamous metaplasia in the normal cervix, and that TGF-alpha may play an important role in cervical carcinogenesis, especially in its progression.
Konishi
I
I
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Ishikawa
Y
Y
Wang
S Y
SY
Wang
D P
DP
Koshiyama
M
M
Mandai
M
M
Komatsu
T
T
Yamamoto
S
S
Mori
T
T
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism*; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011127:Polyps / Q000378:metabolism; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha