Tenascin-C tissue concentration in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the colon mucosa.
BACKGROUND
Tenascin-C is a gycoprotein of the extracellular matrix with predominantly antiadhesive qualities. In the colon mucosa tenascin-C has been found to be induced in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases by immunohistology. This study aimed at quantitating mucosal tenascin-C induction.


METHODS
Mucosal tenascin-C concentration was determined by Western blotting quantified by densitometry in fresh frozen specimens of the colon from patients with ulcerative colitis, familial polyposis, and colorectal carcinomas.


RESULTS
The tenascin-C concentration in normal mucosa was 2.6 micrograms/mg protein (SD +/- 3.4 micrograms/mg). Colorectal adenomas displayed an equal tissue concentration of 2.8 micrograms/mg protein (SD +/- 2.0 micrograms/mg). In ulcerative colitis statistically significant elevated tissue content of 7.5 micrograms/mg protein (SD +/- 4.7 micrograms/mg) was found. Colorectal carcinomas had a tissue tenascin-C level of 18.0 micrograms/mg protein (SD +/- 14.6 micrograms/mg), which was significantly different from the other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Tenascin-C concentration is elevated in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the colorectal mucosa. The distinct increase in the tenascin-C content in colorectal carcinomas in contrast to normal levels in colorectal adenomas reflects an association of tenascin-C induction with malignant disease.
Riedl
S
S
Department of Surgery, Heidelherg University, Germany.
Kadmon
M
M
Tandara
A
A
Hinz
U
U
Möller
P
P
Faissner
A
A
D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000378:metabolism*; D003106:Colon / Q000737:chemistry*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D019063:Tenascin / Q000032:analysis*
D019063:Tenascin