Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in Warthin's tumour.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in Warthin's tumours, and to characterize its pattern of expression.


METHODS
Twenty-one paraffin-embedded Warthin's tumour specimens were analysed by immunohistochemical staining for expression of human COX-2. Semi-quantitative analysis of the staining was performed.


RESULTS
In all of the specimens, we found that there was overexpression of COX-2 within the epithelial component of the tumours, with no expression in the lymphoid components. There was also overexpression of COX-2 in the salivary duct system of normal parotid tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that COX-2 is up-regulated in the epithelial component of Warthin's tumours. Our findings support the hypothesis that Warthin's tumours originate from heterotopic ductal epithelial cells of the parotid gland. The role of COX-2 expression in the pathogenesis of Warthin's tumours remains to be determined.
Loy
A H C
AH
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. andrew_loy@ttsh.com.sg
Putti
T C
TC
Tan
L K S
LK
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000201:enzymology; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000201:enzymology
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2