Cytokeratin expression in the odontogenic keratocyst.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempted to identify differential cytokeratin expression in cystic jaw lesions using immunohistochemical staining.


METHODS
The charts from selected patients treated between 1983 and 1994 for jaw cysts were evaluated. Twenty-four paraffinized specimens were selected randomly for investigation with 5 immunohistochemical stains. The 4 diagnostic categories included ameloblastoma, dentigerous cyst, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and recurrent odontogenic keratocyst in patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma (NBCC) syndrome. The 5 immunohistochemical stains included antibodies to cytokeratins 13, 17, and 18; CAM 5.2; AE 1/3; and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).


RESULTS
Differential staining of OKCs from patients with and without NBCC syndrome was found only with the antibody to cytokeratin 17. Furthermore, staining of OKCs in syndromic patients appeared to be stronger and more uniform than in nonsyndromic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 17 may aid in the diagnosis of OKCs and may be used to further subdivide these lesions based on the presence or absence of NBCC syndrome.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
J G
JG
Meara
B Z
BZ
Pilch
S S
SS
Shah
M J
MJ
Cunningham
D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001478:Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003803:Dentigerous Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D011897:Random Allocation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007633:Keratins