Immunoreactivity of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors in Melanocytic Lesions.
- Author:
Joon Young SONG
;
Eui Soo PARK
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors;
Melanocytic Lesions
- MeSH:
Epidermal Growth Factor*;
Keratinocytes;
Melanoma;
Nevus;
Nevus, Intradermal;
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor*;
Transforming Growth Factors
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
1994;32(3):469-476
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been reported to be absent in melanomas. But recently, the presence of EGFR on melanocytic cells was reported to be a marker of malignant transformation. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the presence of EGFF in melanocytic lesions and to determine whether EGFR presence correlates with the potential or malignant transformation of melanocytic cells. METHODS: We performed the immunohistochemical studies to reveal immunoreactivity of EGFR in 7 compound nevi, 10 intradermal nevi, and four melanomas using the Vectastain ABC immunoperoxidase stain system. RESULTS: Although the intensity of staining was slightly variable, all melanocytic cell types in the studied lesions of compound nevi, intradermal nevi, and melanoms had immunoreactive EGFR. Intense staining far EGFR of all nucleated layers of keratinocytes overlying a melanocytic lesion was also seen. But in the melanoma cells, the staining intensity was modarately deereased. CONCLUSION: Although we found no correlation of EGFR with the potential for malignancy in melanocytic lesions, the high level of expression within nevocytes and lesional keratinocytes suggests EGFR or transforming growth factor a, by acting through the EGFR, plays a role in the pathogenesis, maintenance, or evolution or these lesions.
