OBJECTIVETo investigate the growth of craniopharyngioma involving the third ventricular floor with regard to the hypothalamus by detecting expressions of leukocyte common antigen (CD45) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the tumor tissue.

METHODSThe expressions of CD45 and ICAM-1 proteins in 30 craniopharyngioma samples with third ventricular floor involvement were detected by SP immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe inflammations labeled by CD45 were identified commonly in the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor. The expression of ICAM-1 was mainly in the inner tumor cells and interstitial cells, but not detected in the basilar tumor cells growing toward the third ventricular floor. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas showed markedly higher CD45 and ICAM-1 expressions than squamous papillary tumors (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONInflammatory adhesion largely characterizes the growth of the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor toward the hypothalamus without the tendency of invasion. The difference in the inflammation between the two types of craniopharyngioma may affect the prognosis of the patients.