[Bcl-2 gene protein expression in salivary gland tumors].
BACKGROUND
Salivary gland tumors have heterogeneous pathological features. Oncogene Bcl-2 product expression inhibits apoptosis and therefore is important for tumor proliferation.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein expression in salivary gland tumors.


METHODS
Twenty seven salivary gland tumors were selected from the archives of the Pathology Department of Temuco Regional Hospital. There were 20 pleiomorphic adenomas, 4 cystic adenoid carcinomas and three mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein expression was determined in paraffin included pathological slices.


RESULTS
All pleiomorphic adenomas expressed the protein, specially in tubulo ductal structures, solid and trabecular areas. All cystic adenoid carcinomas expressed the protein in myoepithelial cells. Two mucoepidermoid carcinomas were positive, only in the epidermoid areas.


CONCLUSIONS
immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein was expressed in virtually all benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. This observation suggest an important role of this protein in the development of these tumors.
Yáñez
M
M
Unidad de Anatomía Patológica y Citopatología, Hospital Regional Temuco, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la Frontera, Chile.
Roa
I
I
García
M
M
Ibacache
G
G
Villaseca
M
M
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D017209:Apoptosis; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
Expresión de la proteína del gen Bcl-2 en tumores de glándulas salivales.