P53 tumour suppressor gene expression in hyperparathyroidism.
BACKGROUND
Mutations of the p53 tumour suppressor gene lead to the loss of control of normal cellular proliferation and differentiation and have been shown to be associated with the development of malignancy.


METHODS
Archival paraffin resection specimens from 86 cases of hyperparathyroidism treated surgically using the rabbit polyclonal CMI antibody were investigated to detect p53 immunoreactivity in these sections.


RESULTS
Eighteen of the 86 sections examined (21%) showed nuclear immunoreactivity. No correlation was detected between tumour histology and p53 immunoreactivity (P = 0.45), nor was there any correlation between tumour clonality and immunoreactivity (P = 0.54). Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) status did not correlate with p53 immunoreactivity. A significant correlation between p53 immunoreactivity and preparathyroidectomy calcium levels of > 1.5 mmol/L was detected (P < 0.005) although no correlation was noted between p53 immunoreactivity and higher levels of preparathyroidectomy intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.


CONCLUSIONS
A relationship is postulated between abnormal serum calcium regulation and p53 mutation in hypercalcaemic states associated with hyperparathyroidism.
Subramaniam
P
P
University Department of Surgery, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
Wilkinson
S
S
Shepherd
J J
JJ
D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D016158:Genes, p53; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018761:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / Q000235:genetics; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000473:pathology; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D016105:Parathyroidectomy
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002118:Calcium