| Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor-alpha and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Cervical Neoplasia. |
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Bang Hyun Lee, Dong Jin Kwon, Chan Joo Kim, Yong Ill Kwon, Tae Chul Park, Jin Hong Kim, Jin Woo Lee, Do Kang Kim, Sung Eun Namkoong |
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
OBJECTIVE
This study seeks to define the expression of epidermal growth factor(EGF) and transforming growth factor(TGF)-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), and the relationship to the tumor progression of human cervical epithelial neoplasia. METHODS: To confirm the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR immunohistochemically in normal cervix, cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and cervical carcinomas, we used monoclonal antibodies to EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical stainings using anti-EGF, anti-TGF-alpha and anti-EGFR antibodies showed weak or moderate stainings in all cases. Normal and CIN cases showed predominantly basal and parabasal expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR, and its expression decreased as the cells became increasingly differentiated toward the surface of the epithelium. In the cervical carcinoma EGF and TGF-alpha expressed weakly to moderately focally, and EGFR expressed intensely in all malignant cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR may involved in cellular proliferation of cervical squamous epithelium and have a significant role in the progression of cervical cancer. |
| Key Words:
Cervix, Epidermal growth factor, Transforming growth factor-alpha, Epidermal growth factor receptor |
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