Characterization of cyclooxygenase in laryngeal papilloma by molecular techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in laryngeal papilloma Discuss the possible causal role of COX-2 in papilloma formation. Consider the potential for treatment of papilloma using selective COX-2 inhibitors.


METHODS
Molecular biological analysis of COX-1 and COX-2 in laryngeal papilloma.


METHODS
Tissue samples from five patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) were analyzed by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical staining, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques.


RESULTS
In situ hybridization to COX-2 mRNA showed strong autoradiographic signal surrounding fibrovascular cores. COX-1 autoradiographic signal was low intensity or nondetectable. Normal buccal mucosa biopsies showed low-density or nondetectable autoradiographic signal for both COX-1 and COX-2 mRNAs. In situ hybridization results were corroborated by RT-PCR studies. Levels of COX-2 mRNA were 13-fold more than those in normal mucosa. Immunohistochemical staining for COX-1 and COX-2 showed a similar pattern to that seen with in situ hybridization in both normal and papilloma tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an elevation of COX-2 expression in papilloma tissues. This may represent a causal role of COX-2 in the formation and proliferation of laryngeal papilloma. There may also be a role for selective COX-2 inhibition for the treatment of
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA.
A B
AB
Robinson
S K
SK
Das
D E
DE
Bruegger
L A
LA
Hoover
T R
TR
Sanford
D001345:Autoradiography; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000201:enzymology; D010212:Papilloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000032:analysis*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496511:PTGS1 protein, human; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase