Cytokeratin expression in initial oral mucositis of head and neck irradiated patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to study cytokeratin (Ck) expression in initial radiation-induced oral mucositis.


METHODS
Eleven cases of initial radiomucositis of the buccal mucosa and 9 normal specimens were immunostained for Ck 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, and 19 by immunoperoxidase method.


RESULTS
Expression of Ck 1, 6, 10, and 16 was stronger in mucositis than in normal mucosa. Ck 7, 8, and 18 were negative for both control and study groups. Ck 5, 13, and 14 were positive for both groups, nevertheless suprabasal staining for Ck 14 was more evident in mucositis than in the control group. Sporadic staining for Ck 19 was observed in 1 case of mucositis and in 2 controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased Ck expression can be associated with the reactive proliferation of the epithelium and increasing resistance of the oral mucosa during the initial phases of radiotherapy.
Bonan
Paulo Rogério Ferreti
PR
School of Dentistry, State University of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. pbonan@yahoo.com
Kaminagakura
Estela
E
Pires
Fábio Ramoa
FR
Vargas
Pablo Agustin
PA
Almeida
Oslei Paes de
OP
D000328:Adult; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D053556:Keratin-1; D053550:Keratin-10; D053547:Keratin-14; D053536:Keratin-16; D053553:Keratin-6; D007633:Keratins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052016:Mucositis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
C491616:KRT1 protein, human; C507493:KRT10 protein, human; C507540:KRT14 protein, human; C507431:KRT16 protein, human; C507569:KRT6A protein, human; C507570:KRT6B protein, human; C507571:KRT6C protein, human; D053556:Keratin-1; D053547:Keratin-14; D053536:Keratin-16; D053553:Keratin-6; D053550:Keratin-10; D007633:Keratins