Immunocytochemical expression of growth factors by odontogenic jaw cysts.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the immunocytochemical pattern of expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and TGF beta in the three most common types of odontogenic jaw cyst.


METHODS
Growth factor expression was detected in paraffin wax sections of odontogenic cysts (27 odontogenic keratocysts, 10 dentigerous cysts, and 10 radicular cysts) using a streptavidin-biotin peroxidase technique with monoclonal antibodies directed against TGF alpha (clone 213-4.4) and TGF beta (clone TB21) and a polyclonal antibody directed against EGF (Z-12).


RESULTS
The epithelial linings of all cysts showed reactivity for TGF alpha which was mainly localised to basal and suprabasal layers. Odontogenic keratocyst linings expressed higher levels of TGF alpha than those of dentigerous and radicular cysts, with 89% (24/27) of odontogenic keratocysts exhibiting a strong positive reaction compared with 50% (five of 10) of dentigerous and radicular cysts, respectively. EGF reactivity was similar in all cyst groups, weaker than that for TGF alpha and predominantly suprabasal. TGF alpha and EGF were also detected in endothelial cells, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells within the cyst walls. The most intense TGF beta staining in odontogenic cysts was extracellular within the fibrous tissue capsules, irrespective of cyst type.


CONCLUSIONS
These results, together with previous studies of EGF receptor, indicate differential expression of TGF alpha, EGF and their common receptor between the different types of odontogenic cyst, suggesting that these growth factors (via autocrine or paracrine, or both, pathways) may be involved in their pathogenesis.
Li
T
T
Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham.
Browne
R M
RM
Matthews
J B
JB
D003803:Dentigerous Cyst / Q000378:metabolism; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000378:metabolism*; D011842:Radicular Cyst / Q000378:metabolism; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism
D006133:Growth Substances; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor