Expression of the tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in malignant fibrous histiocytomas and dermatofibromas as studied by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
The expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) was studied in eight malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) and in eight dermatofibromas (DF) using in situ hybridization methods (ISH). Immunohistochemical stainings were also performed using corresponding antibodies to TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. In ISH the neoplastic cells of MFHs showed a high level of expression for both TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNAs. The cells usually expressed similarly both TIMPs, except for osteoclast-like giant cells, which showed a distinct signal for TIMP-2 but not for TIMP-1. A distinctly lower level of both TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNAs was seen in DFs. Immunohistochemical stainings were concordant with the results obtained by ISH. The findings suggest that the behavior of MFHs and DFs is not directly or solely dependent on the quantity of type IV collagenase inhibitors. The increased TIMP synthesis in MFHs might represent a chaotic response of malignant cells to increased matrix degradation. Alternatively, it may reflect a deranged communication between type IV collagenases and TIMPs in malignant tissues.
Department of Pathology, Biochemistry, Dermatology, University of Oulu, Diabor OY, Finland.
T
T
Hurskainen
Y
Y
Soini
A
A
Tuuttila
M
M
Höyhtyä
A
A
Oikarinen
H
H
Autio-Harmainen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008875:Middle Aged; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000032:analysis*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
D006023:Glycoproteins; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D011506:Proteins; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases