title: Evaluation and comparison of expression of p63 in odontogenic keratocyst, solid ameloblastoma and unicystic ameloblastoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The behavior of odontogenic lesions varies with some tumors behaving like a cyst and some cysts behaving like tumors. p63, a member of the p53 family of tumor suppressor genes has recently come into light in view of its role as an oncogene. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of p63 protein in OKC, Solid ameloblastoma, Unicystic Ameloblastoma and Follicular tissue.
  
  
  METHODS
  p63 expression was compared in 12 cases of OKC, 12 Solid Ameloblastoma, 14 cases of Unicystic ameloblastoma and 10 cases of Follicular tissue using immunohistochemical technique. All 48 cases were subjected to heat-induced antigen retrieval method using citrate buffer in a pressure cooker. Then the sections were stained with anti-p63 polyclonal antibody and visualized using super sensitive polymer HRP detection system. In each case, number of cells showing p63 positivity were assessed in two compartments - basal and suprabasal and compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistical analysis showed that p63 expression in the suprabasal compartment in Odontogenic keratocysts was equivalent to that of central neoplastic cells of Solid Ameloblastoma and Unicystic Ameloblastoma type 3. Statistically significant difference in the expression of p63 was observed between OKC and Unicystic Ameloblastoma Type 1 and Solid Ameloblastoma and Unicystic Ameloblastoma Type 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the higher expression of p63 in these odontogenic lesions correlates well with their aggressive behavior and thereby suggesting alterations in treatment modalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Bk
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Varsha
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MPDCH, Gwalior, India.
authors.forename: A Leena
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Gharat
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, AECS Maruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Br
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nagamalini
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Penn School of Dental Medicine, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jyothsna
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Private Practitioner, Prarthana Dental Clinic, Ideal Home Township, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Sahana T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Mothkur
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, AECS Maruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Uma
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Swaminathan
keywords: Immunohistochemistry; odontogenic keratocyst; solid ameloblastoma; unicystic ameloblastoma